Bozhidar Kraev and the Wellington Phoenix’s other new recruits have travelled across the Tasman for the team’s first competitive fixture of the season.
The Bulgarian attacking midfielder has secured all the necessary paperwork to allow him to make the trip to Tasmania and be available to play Wednesday night’s round of 32 Australia Cup match against Devonport City Strikers.
The Phoenix left Wellington first thing on Monday morning, with fellow off-season signings Kosta Barbarouses, Steven Ugarkovic and Lucas Mauragis also travelling.
Reserve team players Riley Bidois, Jackson Manuel, Noah Karunaratne and Marco Lorenz have been included in the touring party, which will spend the next week and a half in Australia.
The Nix will play a pre-season match against A-League opposition in Sydney this weekend before a potential round of 16 Australia Cup tie next week.
Club captain Alex Rufer and experienced forward David Ball haven’t travelled due to injuries.
