The 18-year-old grew up in the Central Coast and holds 13 games for the Mariners so far after graduating from International Football School (IFS) in Gosford.

He said it was a dream come true playing for the club he has supported since childhood.

“I’ve been supporting the club since it started, when I was younger and playing for them now, it’s quite amazing and a big thing for me,” Buhagiar said.

“Just been trying my hardest and get that contract secured, I’ve been doing alright in training and games and they decided to resign me.

“It feels good signing a new contract for the club, it’s a great club, we have good coaching staff, great bunch of people and hopefully I can develop my soccer here.”

The Mariners take on Wellington Phoenix away in Round 10 after failing to capitalise against a 10-man Western Sydney Wanderers in their 4-1 loss on Saturday.

Buhagiar was the player who crashed into Wanderers goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson last week which saw the dismissal of the Red and Black gloveman.

Despite the setback, the teenager believed the Mariners performances were impressive of late adding he was keen to make amends after a 2-0 loss to the Phoenix earlier this season. 

“(In) Canberra we weren’t at our best, we didn’t play that well and recently we’ve playing some good football and hopefully we can carry that into this game,” he said.

“It hasn’t always been on my mind about the new contract, but even though now it’s done and dusted I can focus more on my soccer and hopefully I can start putting in better performances.”