Nestory Irankunda spoke to aleagues.com.au ahead of what could be his Coopers Stadium farewell this week.
Friday night could be Nestory Irankunda’s final game for Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium but the teenage sensation is still eyeing history in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season.
Irankunda will leave Adelaide for German juggernaut Bayern Munich at the end of the season and unless the Reds sneak into the Finals Series and progress deep, this week’s Round 24 showdown with Macarthur FC will be the 18-year-old’s farewell in South Australia.
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“I feel excited. I feel happy. Just happy to still be here,” he told aleagues.com.au about the prospect of playing his final game at Coopers Stadium.
The history-making forward became the youngest player to score an Isuzu UTE A-League hat-trick in Round 22 and he followed that up with a pair of assists as Adelaide rallied past Perth Glory 4-2 last week.
Irankunda has established himself as a crowd favourite among fans in Adelaide, and beyond, and a drawcard across the A-Leagues.
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“It means a lot (the fans),” he said with Adelaide still having four regular-season fixtures to play. “They give us the spirit to continue playing hard and push for the win. Feel grateful to have such great fans.”
“I love the crowd being loud. It gives me more energy and a boost to keep going, even when I’m tired. It’s an energy boost and I love it.”
Irankunda debuted for Adelaide aged 15 years and 333 days in January 2022 – becoming the sixth youngest player in Isuzu UTE A-League history and the club’s third youngest player.
Since then, he has scored 14 goals in the competition – five more than any other player has scored as a teenager in the history of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
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“I’ve had my ups and downs but it’s been a great time,” Irankunda reflected. “It’s an amazing club.
“I’ve been here for three seasons. Good teams I’ve been with, great teammates and a humble place. I’ve enjoyed it a lot and I’m grateful.”
Irankunda has an extensive highlights reel with Adelaide – the record-breaking hat-trick against Western United, his free-kick against Melbourne City and the strike against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
So, what is his standout moment as an Adelaide player so far?
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“I’ve had some great memories,” he said. “I’ve scored a few winners here. I could say (the) Central Coast winner from a few seasons back or my hat-trick but I could my hat-trick.
“But probably my goal against Melbourne City in our 4-2 win at home.”
Irankunda also singled out his maiden A-Leagues goal from January 30, 2022 – a stoppage-time free-kick to sink Newcastle Jets.
“It was a great feeling being my first goal at such a young age. It was a dream come true,” he recalled.
Almost five years ago, Irankunda was playing for Adelaide Raiders. Now, he is preparing to link up with one of the biggest clubs in the world, who have won a record 33 Bundesliga titles and six UEFA Champions League trophies.
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“Well not really but yeah at the same time, I was still at the Raiders,” Irankunda said when asked if he could see himself in the position he is in now while emerging at the Raiders.
“So watching Al-Hassan (Toure), Mohamed (Toure), Elvis Kamsoba kind of gave me the motivation to try to push.
“Obviously seeing Mo make his debut at a young age gave me hope. It just shows that anything is possible. I really looked up to Mo Toure and pushed to be like him. I guess I’ve achieved that.”
There is also the prospect of Irankunda making his second A-Leagues All Stars appearance this season.
The A-Leagues All Stars Men will go head-to-head with Premier League side Newcastle United at Marvel Stadium on May 24 in Melbourne.
Irankunda had his first taste of the All Stars concept when LaLiga powerhouse Barcelona clashed with the league’s best in Sydney in 2022.
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“Obviously it would be great to be part of it against Newcastle,” the young gun said.
“I really do want to play in but I also want to make history at the club and do big things here.
“I want to finish the season off strong and hopefully I don’t play in the All Star Game but hopefully I do at the same time.”
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