Western Sydney’s recent partnership with the African Nations Sports Association (ANSA) African Cup NSW is another glowing example of how the Wanderers continue to build their tight-knit community.
A number of African Australians call western Sydney home. Many play football in the Blacktown, Granville, Bankstown, Macarthur, Fairfield and Liverpool regions.
The 2020 ANSA African Cup NSW tournament will be the 21st running of the prestigious event, which sees some of the country’s most talented African footballers come together to celebrate their heritage and the world game.
This year’s event promises to be the biggest one yet with the Wanderers’ partnership taking the tournament to a whole new level. The event will be held at Blacktown Football Park, which is the home of the Wanderers.
African footballers around the world have long produced some of the game’s most exciting moments.
Australian football has recently seen a number of footballers of African heritage grace the A-League with Awer Mabil, Thomas Deng and Bernie Ibini to name a few going on to play for the Socceroos.
Awer Mabil. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
A number of players from the 16 countries taking part in the NSW African Cup over the next six weeks will be looking to make a name for themselves and possibly win a spot with the Wanderers.
The Wanderers have made it no secret they are looking for hidden gems in the western Sydney community.
Wanderers forward Mohamed Adam, of Sudanese descent, is an ambassador for the event. Adam is a product of the club’s excellent youth program.
Reigning champions Mali will be up there again in 2020. South Sudan are also another strong team featuring a number of NPL stars.
The Wanderers have been a club that has long embraced its multicultural community. The club has hosted community World Cup tournaments in the past, although the 2020 event in March was cut short due to COVID.
However the 2020 African Cup NSW will help fill a major void that football fans have tried to fill.
The kick-off date is Saturday, November 7 with each team playing three group games before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on 12 December.
Josh
Guest
I'm pretty happy with this, it'll prove to be a masterstroke in a few years for WSW. There's kids who are new to the country and new to the language but they already speak football and that's all you need to get noticed. Once they get used to seeing guys like Mo Adam scoring regularly they'll also want to play for their local club - Western Sydney, and that one is free, no fees to play for the club in the NPL.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Sorry Rodger, didn't mean to imply your posts were mean spirited.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Clipper, I am far from mean spirited as I am sure Randy is also. I was making the point, that we still live in the 'lucky country', sometimes we seem to forget that.
Franko
Guest
Something like this has been run in Adelaide since the late 90's. https://www.adelaideunited.com.au/news/aufc-combine-african-allstars-excellent-exhibition-football Mabil, Deng, Kamau, Pacifique, Toure, Kamsoba all of these guys played.
clipper
Roar Rookie
yes, thought that was mean spirited - it's a sports website so therefore sports recruitment is the talking point.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
not sure if your comment had a touch of sarcasm attached to it or not? The beauty of Australia [or should be] is that what ever aspect of life you excel in you should be able to achieve it it. Be it Sport, Academia, Medicine, Politics or just the humble laborer.
Guest
Guest
I pity you.
Randy
Roar Rookie
only sport though right?
Nick Symonds
Guest
I blame current affairs programs for these sorts of attitudes - Tonight on A Chaser Affair, the con-man builder who's kitchen germs are making our kids obese, now he wants welfare. Plus, fat kids ripping off the system, first they spread kitchen germs, now they're Lebanese. And the miracle diet that's turning our fat kids into dole cheats and why these Lebanese builders don't want to know. A shocking story no parent could afford to miss. That's A Chaser Affair, tonight at nine on CNNNN. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljMZFjNXUW0
Tigertown
Guest
NoMates, I’m sure you have the potential to be a very nice person, but you are currently in pain because of bad decisions you have made. The best way to feel good about yourself is to be nice to people & to add something positive to their life. I hope you find happiness through football.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
This comment should be deleted
Evan Askew
Guest
Hello Bender
Steven Harris
Every sport should tap into the Sudanese and African immigrants population,I see these young boys and girls walk the streets of Blacktown every day absolute resource of potential.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Great initiative- I hope they do find some gems for the A League this year and for the Socceroos in the future. If there is some real talent I'm sure Carl Robinson will be able to nurture it well.
Janakan Seemampillai
Guest
Fabulous and fun tournament