Mebrahtu, 22, tried unsuccessfully to contact Miron Bleiberg to let him know about the move and assure the former Gold Coast United coach that his footballing future was in good hands.

The devout Christian, whose family fled religious persecution in the Sudan more than a decade ago, says he thanks God for crossing paths with the enigmatic coach back in 2008.

“I tried to call him after I left (United) but I couldn’t get a hold of him,” Mehbrahtu said.

“Hopefully I’ll run into him in the near future because at the end of the day he gave me that opportunity to play in a professional league.

“I wanted to let him know where I was going because I’m very appreciative of everything I have in my life.

“It’s through people like Miron that God gave me the opportunity to become a soccer player so I can’t forget what he did for me.

“He was my coach for two and a half seasons - he’s a good guy for sure.”

The meeting between the often inscrutable tactician and the ambitious youngster is the stuff of footballing folklore.

Bleiberg was waiting for a helicopter ride up to the Gold Coast when he noticed the lanky teenager from a previous scouting trip, skilfully dribbling and juggling a ball in the Brisbane park.

Mebrahtu admits he's always believed in himself and seized the opportunity to get reacquainted.

When the club folded at the end of last season the resulting diaspora of young talent found its way to all corners of the A-League.

But if their one-time mentor was worried about what happened to his prodigiously talented charges the former Olyroo has a message for him: “We’re doing well.”

Mehbrahtu, in particular, has landed on his feet relishing the opportunity to learn from coach and Socceroo legend John Aloisi in a club that puts a premium on player development.

Most of all he is looking forward to making good on his potential in Season 8.

The build-up has seen him played mainly on the right wing, not his preferred position of striker, but he says he’s there to help the team win the league.

“JA was a prolific striker as everyone knows but he’s also very good at giving guidance and sets out clear objectives for you and what he expects from you,” he said.

“I’ve learnt quite a bit already and I look forward to learning more as the season goes along.

“So far everything is going well and we’re on course for game one against Melbourne Victory.”

That derby, the Brisbane native knows, will be something of a culture shock after the near empty stadiums at Skilled Park.

“It’s a game that everyone around the league tunes into because the atmosphere looks amazing,” he said.

“But it’s just another game and at the end of the day it’s still only three points on offer, you don’t get more than that.”