Nestory Irankunda, the 18-year-old prodigy soon to join Bayern Munich from Adelaide United, has sparked discussions about the possibility of switching his international allegiance from Australia to either Burundi or Tanzania. Despite showcasing his talent with eight goals and six assists in the 2023-24 A-League Men season, Irankunda has yet to earn a senior national team cap and was notably absent from Australia’s squad for the AFC under-23 Championships in April.
Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Irankunda is eligible to represent both Burundi and Tanzania at the international level. In a recent interview, he expressed uncertainty about his future national team prospects, stating that while he dreams of playing for the Socceroos, he remains open to the possibility of switching his allegiance if the opportunity arises.
The decision is further complicated by Australia’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine, with coach Graham Arnold expected to name his squad imminently. Sources suggest that Irankunda is still under consideration for a call-up, as Arnold aims to balance youthful talent with a focus on achieving positive results for Australia in the FIFA rankings.
Following a standout 20-minute appearance for the A-League All Stars in a post-season exhibition match against Newcastle United, Irankunda garnered praise for his skill and potential. Despite his young age, the teenager made a significant impact off the bench, providing an assist that caught the attention of both spectators and coaching staff alike.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe commended Irankunda’s performance, acknowledging the player’s talent and expressing well wishes for his upcoming move to Bayern Munich. The display against Newcastle reinforced Irankunda’s reputation as a player with significant promise and potential for success at the highest levels of football.
Nestory Irankunda’s impending transfer to Bayern Munich has not only raised excitement within the football community but has also sparked debates about his international future. As he navigates the complexities of representing multiple countries at the senior level, Irankunda’s talent and potential make him a player to watch in the coming years. Regardless of his final decision, his journey in the world of football is sure to be filled with excitement and anticipation.
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