Olyroos coach challenges Garang Kuol to shine amid turbulent club spell

Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar is eager to see Garang Kuol shine as one of Australia’s promising talents, despite facing challenges in his career. The 19-year-old winger is set to join the squad for the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) under-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia, a crucial lead-up to the upcoming under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.

Due to the tournament falling outside FIFA’s release window, some players like Alessandro Circati, Cam Peupion, and Calem Nieuwenhof were unavailable for selection. However, Kuol, currently on loan from Newcastle United to Volendam, has a prime opportunity to showcase his skills, especially with the support of his brother Alou.

Vidmar expressed optimism for the Kuol brothers, acknowledging the challenges Garang faced at Volendam with coaching and system changes. The coach hopes their familiarity with Australian football culture will aid their performance on the international stage.

While excitement surrounds Kuol’s potential resurgence, Vidmar faced setbacks with player availabilities. Circati’s exclusion from the Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup narrowed the options for the Olyroos. Despite the challenges, Vidmar remains committed to his squad, comprising mainly A-League Men players like Jake and Corey Hollman, Nestory Irankunda, and injured Noah Botic.

The squad, featuring talents like Marco Tilio, Lachlan Brook, and Nicolas Milanovic, aims to sustain consistency from the WAFF Championship to the under-23 Asian Cup. Qualifying for the Paris Games is the ultimate goal for the Olyroos, requiring a top-three finish in the Asian Cup.

With a blend of experienced and emerging talents, including goalkeepers Patrick Beach and defenders Giuseppe Bovalina, the Olyroos are gearing up for a rigorous competition. The squad’s depth in midfielders like Louis D’Arrigo and Ryan Teague, alongside forwards like Alou and Garang Kuol, sets the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming tournaments.

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Denis Hardin

American writer and avid traveler with an insatiable passion for soccer. Hailing from the heartland of the USA, Dennis brings a global perspective to his writings on Asian football. His articles are a fusion of cultural insights and sporting analysis, providing readers with a unique blend of perspectives. Whether he's exploring the bustling football scenes in Tokyo or sharing anecdotes from his time in Mumbai, Dennis's articles are a captivating journey through the diverse world of Asian football.