Western United is immensely proud of Academy goalkeeper Mayen Mayen who has been called up to the South Sudan squad for the upcoming U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Mayen will join the squad in camp ahead of the tournament’s commencement on February 19. South Sudan has been drawn in Group B alongside Uganda, Central African Republic and Congo.
Western United Academy Director Anthony Frost said the call-up to a major youth international tournament was a significant milestone and one that would boost both Mayen and the Academy in the future.
“We’re incredibly proud and excited for Mayen to be given this opportunity and have no doubt this experience will benefit him and the Club in the future,” he said.
“We wish him all the very best and will be supporting him wholeheartedly from afar.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato added that Mayen’s success continued the Club’s strong commitment to youth development in the West.
“It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Mayen on being called up for national team duty,” he said.
“We are delighted with the foundations and pathway we are providing here at Western United and I am immensely proud of or Academy Director, Anthony Frost, and his support staff and the impact they are having on our young talented players in the West.”
Mayen joined Western United for the 2022 season having starred at NPL level with Avondale FC, where he featured in an Australia Cup tie against Wellington Phoenix and won the Dockerty Cup.
He featured regularly for United across the Under 21’s and Under 23’s, contributing to the Club’s promotion to NPL 2 for 2023.
The 19-year-old is a tall, athletic shot stopper that excels in using his frame to command the penalty area, claiming high balls and spreading himself off his line to deny opponents’ chances on goal.
Mayen’s call up comes after fellow Western United Academy goalkeeper Michael Vonja was selected in the Joeys squad last week for the U17 Antalya Youth Cup, taking place in Turkey in February.
