Kuol's early Socceroos memories driving him forward
Garang Kuol is immensely proud after receiving his maiden Socceroos call-up ahead of a pair of international September friendlies against New Zealand.
The exciting forward is the youngest member in Graham Arnold’s 31-player squad, but has been rewarded after an impressive start to his professional career with Central Coast Mariners.
Kuol has scored four goals in nine A-League Men’s appearances off the bench for the Mariners, while also turning heads in a cameo against FC Barcelona for the A-League All-Stars at the end of last season.
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Kuol, who turned 18 on Thursday, said it was a “huge privilege” to be named in the Australia squad, though admitted he did not think that opportunity would happen so soon in his burgeoning career.
“It’s a huge privilege to be here and I’ve always wanted to play for the Socceroos but never thought it would happen so early,” Kuol said.
“It’s just a proud moment for me and my family and just want to prove myself and keep moving forward.”
Kuol revealed his family was extremely excited for him after receiving the news.
“My family was buzzing for me,” he continued.
“It’s good to see me and a couple of my brothers starting to come through in football, especially for my parents they’ve done everything for us.
“It’s our job now to repay them and make them proud.”
When asked about beating his older brother Alou Kuol – of VfB Stuttgart II – to a Socceroos call-up, Garang comically explained.
“I rang him and I'm just like: ‘What happened, mate?!’,” he joked.
“But he was chill about it, he was just happy for me.”
The Mariners prodigy further discussed some of his earliest Socceroos memories and recalls a time where he and his brothers would watch some of the best players from the ‘Golden Generation’.
“I remember when I was a child, me and my brothers had this tape of Socceroos,” Kuol continued.
“I can’t remember much about it, but I just remember players like (Mark) Bresciano, Tim Cahill and stuff… I remember we used to watch it legit every day just the same tape.
“It was one of the sickest things ever, so now to be a part of it, it’s amazing.”
There is a very strong chance Kuol will get his first international minutes with Arnold confirming he will likely name two different line-ups across these two matches against the All Whites, starting in Brisbane next Thursday.
