Gold Coast United will hand an official debut match to African refugee Gol-Gol Nebrahtu in tonight's pre-season match against North Queensland Fury.

Spotted by United coach Miron Bleiberg juggling a ball in a park, the 18-year old has been impressive in recent trials with the new A-League club and will play at Skilled Park tonight.

Nebrahtu was born in Eritrea but moved to Sudan with his family before fleeing to Australia after religious unrest in the majorly Muslim state.

"It was really tough over there in Sudan being a Christian," he said.

"It's hard to say what would have happened but you only have to look at the troubles in the Darfur region to see that things are still far from good.

"Australia gave us all a fresh start and fresh hope. We are very lucky.

"I suppose it's all worked in my favour a bit," added Nebrahtu.

"This is where you want to be as a young player, pushing for a place in the top team. You wouldn't think that you would get the chance.

"We're talking about a contract and it's very exciting."