Glory ALM duo Nathanael Blair and Kaelan Majekodunmi have both been named in the Australia Under-23 squad which will take on New Caledonia and Vanuatu during next month’s FIFA international window.
The PacificAus Sports Football Series will see Tony Vidmar’s side based at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila, Vanuatu where they will play New Caledonia on Thursday 5 September and the host nation on Sunday 8 September.
The two fixtures will form part of Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers and Vidmar is looking forward to returning to the Pacific.
“I’ve got great memories of the Pacific from when we were in the Oceania Confederation,” he said.
“We were always made to feel so welcome and it’s great we can come back to build those connections through football.
“I think this is going to be a great experience for this young group of players, as they come up against two senior teams who are preparing for World Cup Qualifiers.
“It’ll be testing in what will be a new team environment for many, in conditions they haven’t experienced before.
“This tour is about building depth across this age group, as we begin working directly with players we feel could play a role in our program over the next two years.
“The players are still in the early stages of pre-season with their A-League clubs and we’re looking forward to what our overall program, along with these competitive matches, will offer for each of them individually and as a group.”
20-year-old Blair has made an immediate impact since signing for Glory in July, scoring three goals in two Australia Cup appearances against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City and also finding the net in last week’s pre-season friendly clash with Sorrento FC.
Majekodunmi, meanwhile, enjoyed a breakout season last year, featuring in ten A-League games and scoring two goals.
The 20-year-old Perth local, who previously won four caps for Australia at Under-20 level, has started both of the club’s Australia Cup games this year.
MATCH SCHEDULE – 2024 PACIFICAUS SPORTS FOOTBALL SERIES – AUSTRALIAN U-23s
New Caledonia v Subway Australian U-23s
Thursday 5 September
Kick-off: 3pm local / 12pm WST
Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Vanuatu v Subway Australian U-23s
Sunday 8 September
Kick-off: 3pm local / 12pm WST
Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu
#ONEGlory
