Awer Mabil's Rebirth: From Refugee to Socceroos Hopeful After Swiss Revival

Awer Mabil's move to Swiss football has revitalized his career, giving him hope of securing a key role in Australia's national team. Initially struggling at Cadiz, Mabil's strong performance at Grasshopper Club Zurich has earned him a call-up for World Cup qualifiers. His perseverance is inspiring younger African Australian players, including Nestory Irankunda.

Awer Mabil's transition to Swiss football has breathed new life into his career, offering the former South Sudanese refugee a chance to solidify his position in Australia's attack. Following a challenging period in Cadiz, where he saw limited playtime, the 28-year-old has found his stride at Grasshopper Club Zurich, prompting Graham Arnold to include him in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia.

Mabil, who is well-regarded in the locker room and has scored nine goals in 33 appearances for the Socceroos, admitted that the past years have been tough but educational. He emphasized the importance of using both positive and negative experiences as motivation, saying, "Mentally, I'm more strong. Also, I've learned to enjoy the process."

The influence of African players in Australian soccer is growing, with Mabil among the most renowned. He recently connected with Nestory Irankunda, an 18-year-old winger from Tanzania now at Bayern Munich, during a pre-season match in Europe. As both prepare for the qualifiers, Mabil advises patience and support for the younger player, encouraging him to learn from his surroundings.

(With inputs from agencies.)