Amlani Tatu may not yet be shaking up the football world, but the 16-year-old is part of a generation of players of African descent for whom the sky seems to be the limit.
Tatu, whose family is originally from Burundi, is already turning heads in South Australia’s National Premier League (NPL).
So much so that the Adelaide United winger has already been compared to Nestory Irankunda, who is set to join Bayern Munich.
Amlani Tatu has scored eight goals in seven National Premier League starts. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
“He has achieved a lot and I am looking forward to seeing how he does in Europe,” Tatu said of Irankunda.
“I’m not really looking to be compared to Nestor (but) Nestor is obviously a great role model.”
There has been a significant increase in the number of players of African descent reaching the highest level in Australia, helping to raise the calibre of the sport.
“There are certainly some top players from the African community,” Football SA chief executive Michael Carter said.
Irankunda and Kusini Yengi have demonstrated that talent, both recently scoring for the Socceroos in World Cup qualifying.
Socceroos’ Nestory Irankunda will face Bangladesh in the second Group I match of the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers in June. (Getty Images: Thananuwat Srirasant)
Both played for Adelaide United, which has become a development ground for African-Australian players, with Tatu touted as another potential star.
The teenage winger grew up with Irankunda in Adelaide and shares the star’s now-iconic turnaround celebrations.
He has already scored eight goals in 15 NPL games, catching the eye with his speed and ability to score from long range.
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Tatu also hopes to one day play for the Socceroos, having previously represented Australia with the Joeys under-16s.
“It was a dream come true, it’s every kid’s dream to play for Australia,” he said.
“When I got the message that I had been selected, I was over the moon.”
Zimbabwean-born Panashe Madanha is another Reds player on the rise and is already a regular in the A-League squad.
Panashe Madanha has signed with Adelaide United until the 2025/26 season. (ABC News: Brant Cumming)
The 19-year-old said working with coach Carl Veart has helped him improve his game, with the club known for providing more opportunities to young players.
“If you work hard, if you apply yourself, opportunities will be given to young players here,” Madanha said.
“That’s something they remind us all the time, it’s just about staying grounded and staying focused.”
They both hope to follow in the footsteps of Yaya Dukuly, Awer Mabil and Mohamed and Al Hassan Toure, all three of whom played abroad with the club.
Mabil, a South Sudanese refugee from Kenya, also represented the Socceroos.
More and more footballers of African origin are reaching the major leagues. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
South Australia’s success in producing African-Australian players is partly due to its annual Africa Cup of Nations.
The football tournament brings together the best players from the African-origin state, in a celebration of their culture.
Football SA chief executive Michael Carter wants the state to continue to nurture this talent by providing pathways to higher levels.
“It’s a huge cohort of players who love the game and we will continue to support them,” Mr Carter said.
Michael Carter says opportunities are being offered to promising young talent on the field. (ABC News: Brant Cumming)
The tournament has grown exponentially, with more and more teams competing each year.
It now offers a men’s and a women’s competition, and plans to expand it further.
“It’s a huge event, we’re looking to go further and create programmes for younger age groups, rather than just seniors, so we’re working with the government on that,” Mr Carter said.
As for Tatu, as the comparisons to Irankunda continue, the attention will only increase.
But the teenager said he remained focused on his own game.
“At the moment I’m not too focused on Europe, I’m just focusing on getting into the first team here at Adelaide United,” he said.
