Both players earned one-year scholarships after standout campaigns in the NSW NPL 2.

Towering striker Lokolingoy was phenomenal, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 27 goals in 28 games, including the finals series.

Antoniou was no slouch either, the pacey forward notching up 20 goals in the premiership and championship as third highest scorer.

A fixture in the Sky Blues National Youth League squad since 2014, Antoniou has earned a Young Socceroos cap, as well as making numerous appearances in camp with the U20 national side.

Sydney FC's kids are all right

The scholarship program is available to players under 20 years of age and will see the players integrate with the Hyundai A-League squad as official members.

Head Coach Graham Arnold said he was impressed with the pair over the course of the NPL season and was looking forward to working with them in 2016/17.

“Charles and Bai have had exceptionally successful seasons with the Sydney FC youth team and National Premier League side,” Arnold said.

“They are both exciting attack-minded players who have fitted in to the first team and style of play very well when called upon.  I’m very pleased they will get the chance to prove themselves over the course of this season.

“They will give us some wonderful options going forward and I look forward to helping them develop into Hyundai A-League players.”

Lokolingoy emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo aged 11, and represented the Sutherland Sharks before plying his trade under the guidance Sydney FC Hall of Fame Member Steve Corica and current youth league coach, Rob Stanton.

The 19-year-old, who was called up to the Young Socceroos for recent friendlies, said he can’t wait to begin his maiden professional campaign.

“I’m very excited for the time ahead, there’s a lot of hard work to do but I can’t wait,” Lokolingoy said.

“After a solid season in the NYL and NPL I’m really confident of stepping up. I’m hoping I can get a chance so I can deliver.

“Coming through the youth system at Sydney FC has helped me a lot. I’ve continued to learn about the technical side of the game and the playing system, and after two good years with the youth team I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned to the first team.”

Antoniou paid credit to Stanton for his development.

“It’s a dream come true to sign,” he said.

“I was a member of Sydney FC when they first started in the A-League and I never thought I’d get the chance to play for such a big club.

“Rob Stanton has a good relationship with Graham Arnold and knows what it takes to make the step up to the next level.

“He drilled into our heads all season what we need to do and where our attitude and performance needs to be to get to a professional level.

“I had a good season under Rob Stanton, he’s helped improve areas in my game and I feel like I am ready for this bigger challenge.”

Sydney FC Players Currently Contracted For 2016/17

Bai Antoniou

George Blackwood

Bobô

Josh Brillante

Alex Brosque

Aaron Calver

David Carney

Milos Dimitrijevic

Rhyan Grant

Filip Holosko

Bernie Ibini

Vedran Janjetovic (GK)

Matthew Jurman

Charles Lokolingoy

Milos Ninkovic

Brandon O’Neill

Sebastian Ryall

Matt Simon

George Timotheou

Danny Vukovic (GK)

Alex Wilkinson

Michael Zullo