Western United is proud to recognise three of its players who have earned selection to the Australian U23 Men’s National team.
Adisu Bayew, Noah Botic and Luke Duzel have formed part of a 21-man squad in Dubai for a training camp.
Following that, the squad will travel to Tajikistan to face Indonesia in two qualification matches for next year’s AFC U23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
Mal Impiombato, General Manager of Football said:
“We are delighted to see three of our talented youth players selected for the Australian U23 Men’s National Team. As an emerging club, we are honoured to have three of our players recognised and acknowledged by the national team. It’s a proud moment for Player and Club and we wish them every success during their time in camp.”
This marks a first call-up at Under 23 level for all three players and is particularly special for Bayew with it being his maiden selection for an Australian team at any age.
The 19-year-old starred in Western United’s Academy last season, before the competition was cancelled due to COVID-19.
His form resulted in four A-League appearances last season, including a first start in the final game of the campaign. Bayew was awarded a scholarship contract for his efforts and the teenager has been preparing solidly ahead of the 2021/22 Isuzu-UTE A-League Men’s campaign.
For Botic, this marks a perfect return to Australia after arriving at Western United from German side Hoffenheim in August.
The 19-year-old striker will pull on the green and gold for the first time in two years, when he enjoyed a prolific FIFA U17 World Cup campaign in Brazil, scoring four goals and helping guide the Joeys to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Duzel was also a part of that Joeys squad and will take the next step in his international career in Trevor Morgan’s Olyroos squad.
The midfielder has gone from strength to strength since joining Western United in its inaugural season, adding 13 A-League appearances last season to the three from the 2019/20 campaign.
Still not 20 years old until February next year, Duzel has gained important experience even in the early part of his career and will be a big part of the Olyroos camp.
Australia has been placed into Group G, with 11 groups in total sorting the 39 teams. The winners of each group will qualify for the tournament alongside the four best second-placed teams and Uzbekistan as the host nation.
