Awer Mabil discusses diversity ahead of Socceroos' match against the US

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Socceroos forward Awer Mabil says a viral team video resonates because it is 'raw' and 'unedited', reflecting players' pride in representing multicultural Australia. Speaking in Oakland ahead of Australia's World Cup clash with the United States, Mabil briefly loses his train of thought when veteran SBS commentator David Basheer asks a question, telling him 'I grew up watching you' and recalling watching SBS's football highlights as a child. He says he hopes the Socceroos' presence on the world stage will show displaced people everywhere that 'everything is possible' Team video went viral because Australians can relate to Socceroos' diversity, says Awer Mabil Socceroos celebrate migrant roots and address anti-immigration sentiment before World Cup Continue reading...

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Forward is one of four players who came to Australia as refugees Mabil has tried to be a ‘big brother’ to Mo Touré and Nestory Irankunda Socceroos forward Awer Mabil offered his trademark focus on Wednesday afternoon in Oakland speaking to the Australian media about this week’s clash against the United States. There was one distraction, however, he could not overcome. The winger lost his concentration when long-time SBS commentator David Basheer – in the US as part of the network’s coverage – asked a question during the press conference. “Sorry, David from SBS, right?” Mabil interjected. “I grew up watching you.” Continue reading...

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Awer Mabil’s face quickly turned to pure joy. Mabil looked into the audience during his media conference after training Tuesday and discovered a familiar face in David Basheer, the longtime commentator on Australia's SBS network who had just offered a question days ahead of the Socceroos’ World Cup matchup against the United States on Friday in Seattle. “I grew up watching you,” Mabil said, so taken aback that he asked Basheer to repeat himself.