Socceroos bolter Tete Yengi says he is at the FIFA World Cup on behalf of his injured brother and fellow striker Kusini Yengi. The 25-year-old forward, who has not yet played a single minute for Australia, has been selected in the 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Uncapped Star Earns World Cup Call-Up
Tete Yengi is one of two uncapped players in Australia's World Cup squad, alongside Mohamed Toure. His impressive form for Japanese club Machida Zelvia, whom he helped reach the AFC Champions League Elite final, convinced Socceroos coach Tony Popovic to include him. Reflecting on his selection, Yengi said: 'It's crazy. 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.'
Brother's Injury Paves Way for Tete
Early in Australia's qualifying campaign, it seemed that if a Yengi would make the World Cup squad, it would be Tete's older brother Kusini, 27. Kusini had scored six goals in 12 appearances for the national team, but his career stalled after an unsuccessful move to Scottish club Aberdeen. A loan spell with Japanese side Cerezo Osaka was meant to revive his fortunes, but a serious thigh injury ended his World Cup hopes. Tete explained: 'He was very excited for me, probably a bit disappointed with himself not getting the opportunity, but I'm here on his behalf. 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.'
Family-Like Bond with Toure
Despite Kusini's absence, Tete has a close bond in the 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.'
Learning from Veterans
Tete is also soaking up experience from seasoned Socceroos like Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, Awer Mabil, and Mathew Leckie. 'There are guys here like Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, 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,' he added.
