Gyawe Jonas Salley (born 16 March 1982 in Ivory Coast) is a former Ivorian-Australian footballer, who last played for Nei Mongol Zhongyou in China League One. He is currently an assistant coach for White City.
Early life Salley moved to Australia to escape from the civil and government problems of his home country in 2006.
Club career He first played at Mill Park Soccer Club, where his outstanding performances were noticed within a very short time. He was eventually signed up to play with Victorian Premier League side South Melbourne.
He was then signed by A-League club New Zealand Knights in 2006. Salley was a fan favourite at the Knights for his high work rate and quality passes. Despite being injured for a large part of the season, he made a huge impact for the team on his return with his strength and fitness.
As the Knights folded at the end of the A-League 2006-07 season, Salley signed with Sydney FC on a short-term contract as cover for their finals campaign. He made one appearance for Sydney FC before they were eliminated. He chose not to stay at the club after his short-term contract, and then played briefly for Sunshine George Cross FC.
On 13 March 2007, it was announced that Salley was signing for Adelaide United on a 2-year deal.Adelaide United Transfer – TWG Jonas Salley article – TWG Despite being an Australian citizen, Salley was ruled to be a foreign player under new FIFA amendments stating that a player must reside in country for a minimum of five years before local status is obtained. This meant he was ineligible to play in the 2008 AFC Champions League as Adelaide listed Brazilians Cássio, Cristiano and Diego as their three foreign players.
He stated that he was ready to leave the club because of the lack of game time at Adelaide, during the 2008/2009 season:
"For me I need to move on," Salley told the Adelaide Advertiser. "I've already made up my mind. I don't know what's going on. I was looking forward to playing here but it doesn't look like it's going to happen and that's the way it is. I'm here just training, training, I don't know what I'm here for. I haven't spoken to anyone about it. For me it's not the best way, if you're not going to use someone tell him why he's not playing."
After many weeks of speculation the Ivorian born Salley, was released by the club on 20 January 2009. In March 2009, Salley signed with Chinese Super League club Shaanxi Chanba on a free transfer.
Returning to Australia, Salley signed an emergency injury replacement deal on loan with A-League club Gold Coast United. The Queensland club will be looking to sign him on a permanent deal when they find room within the salary cap.
As Gold Coast struggled with injuries leading up to their game against Melbourne Heart in February 2012 it was revealed Salley had defected, signing a lucrative contract with a Chinese Super League team.
In January 2013, Salley signed with Chinese Super League club Guizhou Renhe on a free transfer.
In January 2015, Salley signed with China League One club Nei Mongol Zhongyou.中甲新军宣布落户呼和浩特 人和外援萨利将加盟 at sports.sohu.com 2015-01-05 Retrieved 2015-01-05
On 18 February 2017 Salley was forced into retirement due to a knee injury.
Coaching career On 1 May 2019 Salley was announced as an assistant coach to Adelaide United's sister club Qingdao Red Lions.
Personal life Salley became an Australian citizen in 2008. He married his sweetheart Azra in 2010. The couple are the parents of two girls – Nahla, 15, and Ayla, 11.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionApps Goals AppsGoalsAppsGoals AppsGoalsAppsGoalsSouth Melbourne2006Victorian Premier League9100——91New Zealand Knights2006–07A-League10050——150Sydney FC2006–07A-League1000——10Adelaide United2007–08A-League17050——2202008–09140306010240Total310806010460Shaanxi Chanba2009Chinese Super League29000——290201027100——271Total56100——561Chengdu Blades2011Chinese Super League25000——250Gold Coast United2011–12A-League120———120Shanghai Shenxin2012Chinese Super League28310——283Guizhou Renhe2013Chinese Super League2804060—3802014300105010370Total5805011010750Nei Mongol Zhongyou2015China League One27110——28120168010——90Total35120——371Total2656210170103046
Honours Guizhou Renhe Chinese FA Cup: 2013 Chinese FA Super Cup: 2014
References
External links Adelaide United profile Shaanxi Chanba profile Gold Coast United Profile