Kenya midfielder William Wilson among five released by Central Coast Mariners

Photo Credit - Central Coast Mariners.

Kenya international William Wilson Lenkupae has been released by Australian side Central Coast Mariners after making just five appearances this season.

“Central Coast Mariners can today confirm the departure of Alou Kuol, who moves on to a new opportunity in his career,” read a statement on their official website. “Kuol departs with over 100 Mariners appearances to his name in total, after his second spell with the club.

“The club can also today confirm Noah Smith, Will Wilson and Sasha Kuzevski have all departed the club upon the expiry of their contracts, whilst Jack Warshawsky has taken up an opportunity in the NPL.”

Lenkupae joined the Mariners in August 2023 but struggled for regular playing time. His last match for the club dates back to January in a 4-1 defeat to Sydney FC.

Lenkupae was part of coach Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars that played the two 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures against Gambia and Gabon. Against Gambia in a game that ended 3-3, he scored the leveller in the 96th minute.

He was also part of the recent squad that played against Chad in two international matches away in Morocco. Kenya drew the first build-up 0-0 before recovering to win the second 2-1. Wilson made his debut for the Central Coast Mariners in an away AFC Cup tie against Terengganu FC in Malaysia.

He scored his first A-League goal in an F3 Derby, scoring the Mariners' second goal in a 3-1 win at home on 25 November 2023. Wilson was part of the Mariners' 2023-24 premiership and 2023-24 AFC Cup winning season.

He made his professional debut in a FFA Cup playoff match against Perth Glory on 24 November 2021, and in February 2022, made first league appearance for Melbourne Victory against Western Sydney Wanderers.