Video Shout-Out from Kenjok Athiu

Kenjok "Kenny" Athiu is a Sudanese-born Australian footballer who plays as a forward professionally for Melbourne Victory in the A-League.

Athiu joined South Springvale SC in 2006 at 14 years of age, and became a member of the first team three years later. In 2012, Athiu signed a short term deal with rivals Springvale White Eagles, with the success from the Springvale later earning him a deal with the more prominent Victorian State League side Box Hill United in the same year. Following more success, in 2014 Athiu signed for former National Soccer League side Heidelberg United in the newly established National Premier League.

After initially being linked with a move to Perth Glory, Athiu signed his first professional contract with Melbourne Victory in October 2017 on a season-long loan from Heidelberg United. Victory coach Kevin Muscat initially stated that it would be some time before Athiu would make the first team due to injury and fitness concerns. Nevertheless, Athiu made his debut for the club as a substitute in a draw with Western Sydney Wanderers on 6 November after a number of Melbourne's attacking players were unavailable for the game. On 18 June 2018, Athiu signed a new two-year contract with Melbourne Victory.

Athiu was born in Sudan but left with his family as a refugee in the Second Sudanese Civil War, first to Kenya (aged four) and then to Australia (aged eleven). He initially settled in Keysborough, before moving to Noble Park and then Narre Warren.

Athiu has seven siblings, and currently lives in Collingwood with Melbourne Victory teammate Thomas Deng, with both their families having known each other since they were children.