Garang Kuol admits he is “buzzing” with excitement about joining Premier League club Newcastle United but is focused on leaving Central Coast Mariners with a win on Saturday.
In a few days, the youngest Socceroo is on his way to St. James’ Park to link with the Premier League club.
“I am buzzing. I can’t wait to get down there and hit the ground running,” Kuol said.
But first, he is looking to say goodbye when the Mariners host Melbourne Victory on New Year’s Eve.
“My focus stays the same,” he said in regards to his last ALM appearance.
“There’s a lot of excitement. We go in with full belief and all guns blazing to try and get three points and a win.”
Kuol’s rise has been one of the most compelling stories of Australian football. The Egyptian-born forward became the youngest player to play in the knockout stages of a World Cup since Brazilian legend Pele in 1958 when he came on as a substitute against Argentina.
Central Coast head coach Nick Montgomery said he hoped a big crowd turned out to farewell Kuol.
“For Australian football, he’s been a shining light and an inspiration that you can come from an NPL club in the middle of nowhere, play in the A-League and play in the World Cup,” he said.
When Kuol departs for one of the biggest Premier League clubs, Montgomery says he will be under a lot of pressure.
“There’s going to be pressure on him from now until he finishes his career, and that’s something we’ve tried to prepare him for. So he’s got a big journey ahead of him,” he said.
On the ladder, the Mariners are ranked fourth with 13 points, and the Victory are ranked ninth with 10.
Montgomery said in a classic Kuol way, he would do what he does best, whether he starts or comes off the bench against Victory.
“Knowing Garang, he’ll want to say goodbye with a goal, an assist or just a stellar performance,” he said.
“It will be a good chance for everybody to wish Garang well for his move to Newcastle.”
Feature Image Credit: Central Coast Mariners
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