The Nestory Irankunda hype goes to another level when you’re amongst the Adelaide United faithful, writes David Weiner from Coopers Stadium, where Carl Veart provided an update on the teenage sensation’s playing future.
When the No.66 flashed up on the Fourth Official’s board, the energy at Coopers Stadium changed palpably.
So too, did the match.
Within minutes of Nestory Irankunda’s arrival in the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series, the 17-year-old had surged some 50 metres to feed Craig Goodwin, who won the penalty that put Adelaide United 2-0 up against Wellington.
If Craig Goodwin is the king of Coopers, Irankunda is the centre of attention.
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The hype is real; you see it on social media, but until you arrive at Coopers Stadium, it is hard to truly pinpoint how hysteric the fever is for Australia’s hottest football property.
Kids beg for a touch of their new hero. Even fans who could be his grandfather clamour for a glimpse. At one point, he singlehandedly whipped the crowd into a frenzy of cheers, rousing them, waving his arms as the clock wound down to full-time. On Friday night, KEEPUP even saw him sign a fan’s head!
“In all my time in football in Australia, I have never seen a player that has such an impact on supporters,” his coach Carl Veart said.
“Every time you see him get the ball, everyone lifts in the whole stadium.
He is is a very special player. And it’s important we make sure we do everything that is right for him and for Australia and (the) future in world football.
Despite being the subject of speculative reports prior to kick-off that he had clinched a deal with Bayern Munich, the youngster, simply, doesn’t look fazed, diligently signing autographs and taking selfies for as many fans as he possibly can.
Irankunda told KEEPUP: “It is amazing to have these fans, especially at Hindmarsh – we’ve got the best fans in the league.
“It is a Friday night, it is great to have the kids come down. They show their love and support and we show the same thing back. We love our fans.”
The irony is, he says he is making the kids go home happy.
But he is just a kid himself. A teenager who couldn’t wait to just go hug his family in the stands after making sure all his adoring fans left happy.
“I take my hat off to him,” said Veart.
Listen below for KEEPUP’s immediate reaction at Coopers Stadium, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
“He has been very good in that he’s 17 and (under) a lot of pressure – not just talk of him about where he’s going to go, but pressure on him to perform every time he plays for us.
“The expectation from the fans is hard, especially on a kid like Nestor.
“So I think he has handled himself very well and we keep hoping he stays with us as long as he can because he’s exciting.”
Irankunda seems to be taking the pressure in his stride, although, he gave the first inkling of how he is aware of the attention – and discussions – around him.
“I have to be careful – there’s a lot going on right now,” he told KEEPUP.
With that maturity has come more minutes, and more exposure, speaking more to media, and being subject to the types of pressures that will only intensify if his much mooted deal overseas, seemingly to a Bundesliga club with a loan back to Adelaide, materialises.
“There is no deal been done at this stage,” Veart said afterwards.
“The last conversation I had is there’s still quite a few clubs throwing their hat in the ring.
“So I don’t think it’s going to be a straightforward decision.”
Picking his words carefully, it seems as though Veart is resigned to losing Irankunda eventually, although, because FIFA regulations prevent Irankunda moving to Europe before his 18th birthday – February next year, a month after the transfer window closes – it is likely he will be at Coopers next season irrespective of what happens.
“There’s a good chance that we will, but we have still got another season at least with him,” Veart said.
“The club will take its time before they make a decision.”
If Veart is effusive in the way he speaks about his club’s protégée, the feeling is mutual, both towards Veart, and the club that has given him his shot.
“I am grateful to have a coach like this who gives me advice and tries to help me with my football,” Irankunda said.
“It just feels amazing to be coming on and playing some minutes, my minutes have improved and he has given me the chance to show what I can do.”
He continued: “Craig (Goodwin), Javi Lopez, Isaias, the whole captaincy group…it is great to have them all there (to mentor him).
“I try do it as well, help the team out as much as I can…try help the team, motivate the team, we are all a big family. We are all role models in this team, it is just great that we want to accomplish…to make the Grand Final.”
Next step on that quest: Central Coast, in the two-legged Semi Final.
