Kuku ready for Grand Final challenge
It has been an incredible rise up the ranks for Western Sydney Wanderers defender Abdelrahman Kuku.
Only three years ago Kuku was playing non-league park football and had no idea his football dreams were only about to begin.
The Egyptian born defender signed his first semi-professional contract only 12 months later with Mounties Wanderers before being picked up by Bankstown City.
Dreams turned to reality this season when the 18-year-old signed on with the Wanderers, and he will now guide their youthful side into a Grand Final against rivals Sydney FC.
“I have to pinch myself sometimes,” Kuku said.
“While I work very hard and give football my everything, I still get excited by the opportunity I have been given.
“Saturday’s Grand Ginal will be an incredible experience and I know we have what it takes to win.”
Although they missed out on winning the PlayStation 4 NPL 2 NSW Men’s Premiership by a narrow margin, The Wanderer’s put together an incredible season despite a huge turnover of players.
Kuku said it provided younger squad members like himself the opportunity to prove their worth at senior level.
“Everyone who has been given a chance has not let it go to waste and it has helped the team find success this season.
“I have been lucky to play the majority of the season and I feel like I have improved as a player as the weeks progressed.”
Kuku will have the duty of marking Sydney FC’s Golden Boot winning striker Charles Lokolingoy but the young defender is excited by the chance at proving his abilities against the competition’s best.
“My focus is primarily on my game and how I can help my teammates. I don’t tend to watch my opponents play too much,” he said.
“I know Charles has had an incredible season scoring 25 goals but I’m not worried about playing against him.
“He (Lokolingoy) has had a lot of luck getting in behind players so as long as we limit the service to him from the midfield he shouldn’t have much impact on the match.
The centre back is hopeful he and his teammates will be able to hoist the PlayStation4 NPL2 NSW trophy on Saturday.
“Sydney FC pipped us in the regular season but in our matches against them we have always played really well,” Kuku said.
“We can perform in the big occasions and that will help us get the result we need.”
“All the boys are really excited for the match. Its going to be a great experience no matter the result.”
1st Grade – Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers Saturday 2pm Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt
U20 kick off at 11:30am
U18 kick off at 9am
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