MELBOURNE Victory midfielder Rashid Mahazi will sensationally quit the game indefinitely for personal reasons.

Mahazi, who was on the bench during Sunday’s grand final loss to Sydney FC, will travel to the country of his father’s birth, Kenya, with family in December.

PLAYER RATINGS: DAVID DAVUTOVIC ASSESSES VICTORY LINE-UP

It’s understood Mahazi, 25, had interest from at least two other A-League clubs. Victory was interested in retaining the tidy midfielder, who played 13 games this season taking his A-League tally to 73 in four years.

Mahazi’s family is from the Kenyan island of Lamu and it’s believed that he will travel there with his dad’s family.

STUDS UP season ending chat: David Davutovic will be on deck from 12pm AEST for the final edition of his weekly football chat.

The Herald Sun can also reveal Mahazi was due to come on for Carl Valeri in the final, but was affected by a migraine just after kick-off.

Melbourne Victory's Rashid Mahazi has shotfrom outside the box. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

Valeri, who tweaked his calf late in the first half, played out the entire 120 minutes.

Victory is set to confirm utility Rhys Williams as their latest signing this week after a turbulent year at Perth Glory, as the former Middlesbrough captain looks to stay in the Socceroos frame.

There has been further clarity given about James Donachie’s contractual situation, with the central defender to remain at Victory for at least one more season.

Mark Ochieng and Rhys Williams. Picture Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

Donachie signed a two-year contract last year, but it was inadvertently stated by the club at the time that the former Brisbane Roar star had come on a 12-month deal.

Fellow stoppers Nick Ansell and Alan Baro are out of contract, however, with Ansell likely to depart after five years at the club.

Brisbane Roar’s attacking exodus will intensify with Jamie Maclaren set to follow teammate Brandon Borrello to Germany.

Borrello has agreed terms with a German second division club.

In other player signing news, Johnny Warren Medallist Milos Ninkovic has ended speculation surrounding his future, signing a new one-year deal with Sydney FC.

The Serbian’s blistering form has also been rewarded with elevation to marquee status at the champions, with one of this year’s marquees, Filip Holosko, already confirmed as departing.

Meanwhile, former Victory boss Ernie Merrick has been appointed Newcastle Jets coach, replacing Mark Jones who was sacked after their final game.

Melbourne City, Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix are yet to confirm their coaching appointments for next season.