Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Socceroos bolter Tete Yengi says he’s at the FIFA World Cup on “behalf” of his injured brother and fellow striker Kusini.
Tete Yengi, 25, is one of two uncapped players in Australia’s 26-man World Cup, with his form in recent months for Japanese club Machida Zelvia – who he helped reach an AFC Champions League Elite final – enough to force his way into Socceroos coach Tony Popovic’s plans.
“It’s crazy,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet. There are so many great players that have played for this country, some of my idols.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity. Hopefully I can get on the pitch. It’s amazing my first call-up has come at a World Cup.”
Early in the Socceroos’ qualifying campaign, it seemed that if there was going to be a Yengi in Australia’s World Cup squad, it would be Tete’s 27-year-old brother Kusini.
However, having scored six goals in 12 appearances for the national team, Kusini’s Socceroos’ career stalled after his unsuccessful move to Scottish club Aberdeen.
Kusini had been hoping to revive his career during a loan spell with Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka, but a serious thigh injury ended any hopes he had of going to the World Cup.
“He was very excited for me, (and) probably a bit disappointed with himself not getting the opportunity, but I’m here on his behalf,” said former Newcastle Jets marksman Tete, who has also had spells in England, Finland and Scotland.
“It’s everyone’s dream to come to the World Cup, so I’m grateful to be here, and he is also so happy for me.
“Unfortunately, he couldn’t be here through his injuries. I would have liked to be here with him. Hopefully maybe the next one – let’s see.”
Despite the absence of Kusini, Tete has a family-like bond in the World Cup squad with fellow South Australian-raised striker Mohamed Toure.
“I’ve grown up with Mo. I’ve known him since I was maybe 12 and he was eight, so we’ve grown up together with the whole Toure family,” Tete said.
“We’re just grateful and happy to be here together. We’re just going to enjoy the moment every day in training and hopefully we can maybe be on the pitch together.
“There are (also) guys here like Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, (and) Awer Mabil – he’s someone I’ve watched since I was really young at Adelaide United.
“To be here with him, sharing the pitch with him (and) all of them, Mathew Leckie as well, these players have been to many World Cups, so I’m just trying to take as much information as I can from them.
“Anything to help build myself and get the experience, and hopefully bring it on to the pitch.”
