Shepparton duo selected for Australian under-20s

By Daniel Webb

Oct 11, 2022

Rising star: Garang Kuol played for Australia’s senior men’s team against New Zealand last month. Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images Photo by Hannah Peters

A duo of Shepparton soccer talents will join forces in Kuwait later this week, with Garang Kuol and James Nieuwenhuizen selected as part of Australia’s 23-man under-20 squad.

Heading to the Gulf nation to take part in Group H of the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 Qualifiers, the former teammates will take on Kuwait, India and Iraq.

The nation that tops the group will receive automatic qualification for next year’s tournament, while the five best runners-up from across the groups will also go through.

Speaking after announcing the squad, coach Trevor Morgan said the Australians had been drawn in a challenging group.

“We have selected a very talented and versatile squad for these AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 Qualifiers knowing we will need to be at our best to qualify for the Asian Cup,” Morgan said.

In the picture: Goalkeeper James Nieuwenhuizen recently travelled to Spain with the under-20 side. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Fortunately, the majority of the players selected for these qualifiers were together at the recent U-20 Costa Cálida Supercup in Spain, providing a great opportunity to train and play under tournament conditions, which has helped the players grow and will hold us in good stead for Kuwait.

“We are very thankful for the support of clubs, both in Australia and abroad, for their ongoing support of Australia’s national youth team programs and in doing so, allowing us to field the best teams possible and enabling their players to showcase their talent on the international stage.”

Teammates again: Garang Kuol and James Nieuwenhuizen have been teammates on a number of occasions throughout their careers, including repsresenting Victoria’s under-12s. Photo by Julie Mercer

While the Melbourne City-based Nieuwenhuizen recently travelled to Europe with the majority of the under-20 squad Kuol did not. However, his senior international experience is sure to hold him in good stead.

Making his debut for the Socceroos against New Zealand on September 25, Kuol will be hoping some strong performances can put him in the picture for World Cup selection.

If the duo takes to the pitch together it will reignite a partnership that has already had plenty of success, with both playing for the Goulburn Valley Suns, School Sport Victoria and lifting the 2013 under-12 boys title with Shepparton Soccer Club together.