Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Nestory Irankunda should embrace his time in the sun, then turn his focus to creating even bigger moments of World Cup magic for the Socceroos.
That’s the advice Awer Mabil has offered Australia’s young prodigy as Irankunda makes his mark on the global stage.
Mabil jokes there is something about Adelaide when discussing the presence of Irankunda, Mohamed Toure and Tete Yengi – other South Australians from African backgrounds.
Growing up, Irankunda and Toure used to idolise Mabil, also a former refugee, and the 30-year-old is now playing a big brother role in camp.
When Irankunda, 20, scored the sublime opening goal in Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey, pride shot through Mabil.
“That’s what the magic of the World Cup and what it brings,” Mabil said.
“For me, just seeing a young boy from Adelaide doing his thing on a world stage was amazing, and it was a proud moment – just iconic, and it’s something that will go down in history.”
Mabil believes Irankunda has handled the spotlight perfectly.
“We’re very proud of how ‘Nes’ did what he did, and at the same time we need to allow him to get to be himself,” Mabil said.
“Because I think when he’s himself, that’s when he can produce his magic, as you can see the other day,
“He handled it very well, in my opinion, has not got to his head.
“He knows the moment is big, we all know the moment is big, and we keep telling him: ‘there’s bigger moments coming for you, so just keep the same thing up’.”
Mabil knows Irankunda must balance enjoying the moment with remembering there are bigger fish to fry.
“It’s yin and yang – you have to find the balance. That’s how I’ve been talking to him also,” Mabil said.
“It’s is a great moment for him, for his family, for Australian football, it’s amazing – and there’s more to come.”
Mabil says it’s important not to make young players too “robotic” and allow them to express themselves and play with freedom.
“They need a free mind, because that’s where they can do magic like what we saw the other day,” the winger said.
“You can’t predict that – it’s just based off instincts, and that can only come from not caring, in a sense – respectfully.”
Mabil, a regular under Graham Arnold, only cracked the Socceroos fold under Tony Popovic for the first time in March.
Now he’s at a second World Cup.
“To be back with the boys, it’s something that’s special for me,” Mabil said.
“To see their growth also over the last couple of years and their maturity has been amazing.
“As an older brother, I can just only be there, allow them to be themselves, and protect them when they need protection.”
