After being called up to the Subway Socceroos for the first time under Tony Popovic, forward Kusini Yengi spoke today about his return from injury, taking on Saudi Arabia and more ahead of Thursday night’s all-important FIFA World Cup 2026™ Asian Qualifier.
Yengi has made a strong start to life in the Championship after his club side Portsmouth got promoted from League One, establishing himself as the starting striker over the last few weeks after some injury issues earlier in the season.
Having received his first call-up to the Australian Men's National Team almost a year ago, Yengi took the time to reflect on several topics as he aims to establish himself under the management of Popovic.
Here’s what he had to say when he faced the media earlier today.
On receiving his first call-up a year ago
It's a bit of a different feeling because that was my first-ever camp. So now I've been in quite a few camps and the Asian Cup, so I’ve adjusted to the atmosphere in camp, and know a lot of the boys a bit better than I did when I first came in. It's also a similar feeling, because it's a new coach for me for the first time. So I'm looking forward to seeing how he is, seeing what's different between him and Arnie [Graham Arnold], learning some new things, preparing and getting ready for the game. So it's exciting when things are new.
On aiming for direct qualification after a difficult start
We never lost belief. It was just one or two games, and there are a lot more games to come, and there are a lot more points that we can pick up. And despite the results not going the best for us in the first two games, we, as a squad, always had belief. And then we know the quality that we have in the squad, and that there are a lot more games and if we're able to win those games, then we can get automatic qualification.
On the challenge of impressing a new coach
I think it’s a challenge every time we come into camp, because, obviously, we're not here for very long. We only have a few days to come in, switch on and adapt to a different style of football that we play at our club. So it's always a challenge, but it's something that I'm looking forward to. I love challenges, it's a new experience and it's a nice experience. Change is always good in my eyes. I don't like doing the same thing all the time. So, it's something that I’ll take in my stride.
On his recent injury troubles
It was a bit of a challenging period for me, of course. I came into the last camp having not played much football due to an injury at the start of the season. Then to come into that game and get a red card, and then go back to Portsmouth and get injured again, was a bit of a difficult time.
I just put my head down and worked on my rehab and tried to get my body in the right place and then get back to playing games with Portsmouth and doing well, and then I knew if I was playing well, I would get selected. I'm in a much better place than I was coming into the previous camp. I’ve played a lot more games, and my body feels good and my mind is clear - I'm looking forward to these games and helping the team win points and qualification.
On how he thinks Saudi Arabia will play
I've watched Saudi over the last quite a few years, and the World Cup, they've done really well, and they look like a team that always try to come out and attack and win games. So I think the game will be a little bit different to what we had against Bahrain. But we've got some meetings later on today, and I'm sure Tony and the coaching staff will fill us in with all the information we need on how they expect them to play and how to best prepare for the game.
Whether they come out or sit in the low block, we're going to be patient and try and move the ball around and find opportunities to break their defence down and score goals. If they come out and attack us, we have threats that can run in behind and cause chaos on counter attacks. So I think either way the game plays out, we're well-equipped and prepared.
On becoming a key player for the Socceroos
I have a lot of belief in myself as a player, and I'm looking forward to training today and then showing what I can do and showing to Tony that I'm capable of starting for his team. And if he picks me to start, then I'll go and give him my best and try to help the team by scoring goals, pressing and working hard. And if I'm on the bench, then I'll do the same when I come on. And if I'm not in the squad, I'll be there to support the boys. So, regardless of whether I'm starting off the bench or if I'm not in the squad, I'm just here to help the team and help the country qualify for the next World Cup.
Match Details
Subway Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Bahrain v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa
Kick-off: 9:15pm local Tuesday, 19 November 2024 (5:15am AEDT – Wednesday, 20 November)
Broadcast: Paramount+