Sport
‘I’m very very proud of Garang’: Antonita Kuol reflects on her son’s World Cup campaign
There are few, if any, people more excited about the remarkable rise of Shepparton soccer sensation Garang Kuol than his mother Antonita.
Making the move from Shepparton to NSW to support her son’s soccer journey, Antonita has been there every step of the way.
Incredibly proud of Garang’s career to date, Antonita labelled the 18-year-old’s appearance at the World Cup in Qatar as “unbelievable”.
“It’s been very exciting to watch,” Antonita said.
“It’s been a good time for us and we’re so thankful for Garang’s selection for Australia.
“Being in the Australian squad is such a good thing and we don’t want to miss any minute of the games at all.”
Moving to Australia as refugees after fleeing South Sudan, Antonita said even when Garang was not playing she had to watch Australia play “because it’s our country now”.
“I’m very very proud of Garang for representing Australia,” she said.
“I don’t know how to describe it, but it was a big thing for us just seeing him against Argentina, it was very good.”
With Garang signed on for a move to English Premier League club Newcastle in January, Antonita said she’d never dreamed of Garang or his brother Alou playing soccer in Europe.
Reflecting on Garang’s breakout game for the A-League’s All-Stars against Barcelona, she said she could recall “everything” from the contest.
“It was very good and I really am thankful for his coach ‘Monty’ (Nick Montgomery) for allowing him to just give him a fair go and just see,” she said.
“I’m very grateful for that and the way he played also was really good, unfortunately he couldn’t score.
“I was so grateful and so proud and I’m so thankful to all the coaches that thought Garang could do it and are able to put him in there.”
Full of praise for the Shepparton community, Antonita took the time to thank the city for its support.
“I’m proud to be one of the Shepparton community,” she said.
“It’s just a good thing because of how supportive the people of Shepparton are, even from day one when they used to go to soccer training.
“Sometimes you wouldn’t be able to pick them (the kids) up or drop them off, all the parents usually just offered and said ‘I can drop him’ or ‘I can bring him if you want’, so Shepparton is just an amazing place to be a part of.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for all the support they (Shepparton people) are giving us and I say just keep it up for other generations to come, it’s just a very good thing.”