“I was trembling and everything!” | Discover more about Adelaide United’s latest talent off the production line
Amlani Tatu is truly living the dream with Adelaide United.
The 16-year-old made his debut in the Isuzu UTE A-League against the Newcastle Jets last weekend, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.
Highly regarded by the club and those who have watched the dynamic winger’s progress at the Reds, Tatu has featured in Adelaide’s last two senior squads. During the match against the Jets, he entered the fray off the bench alongside fellow NPL star Harry Crawford, making his first appearance in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
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Following his league debut for the Reds, Tatu spoke to the club’s media team about his journey to the first team and the difficulties of balancing his education while chasing a career in professional football.
“When I was told I was coming on, I felt a bit nervous at first; I was shaking,” Tatu admitted.
“I was completely focused on just getting on the pitch and performing my best.”
“As I was warming up, staff member Django (Gentilcore) received a message from the coaching staff telling me to prepare and get warmed up because I might be coming on shortly, so I began to get myself ready.”
“That’s when the nerves really kicked in.”
In need of a calm influence, Tatu found support in fellow Reds substitute Harry Crawford, who was also gearing up for his own Isuzu UTE A-League debut.
Having played alongside each other in the club’s NPL setup, it seemed fitting that they would take to the pitch together as debutants in the A-League.
“It’s a dream come true,” Tatu remarked. “Every young player dreams of playing in front of their home crowd, so being able to do that is incredible for me.”
“For Harry and me, it was a surreal moment. We’ve worked so hard in the NPL and now we’ve been rewarded. From here on, we’ll just keep striving to stay at the top.”
“Harry and I have a strong connection. Having played together in the NPL, we understand each other well. Being able to showcase our skills on the right-hand side against Newcastle was fantastic.”
Tatu recently transitioned to Sports College South Australia to further his studies, after attending the Underdale High School Football Academy.
Balancing his education and football has been an ongoing challenge for Tatu, who praises both the club and Sports College SA for their collaboration in helping him manage his dual commitments effectively.
“My experience here has been wonderful,” he shared. “I’ve only just started, having spent some time at Underdale High School. But I’m looking forward to creating many more memories with my classmates.”
“It can be tough, especially since I often travel with the Australian Under-17 Joeys national team, but I try to complete my work ahead of time to make it easier when I return. It’s a challenge to balance everything; I just have to stay organised.”
“Typically, I train in the morning. After training, I come here to get through my schoolwork in the final period of the day.”
“It’s demanding, but between training, school, and my commitments, the staff at Adelaide United maintain communication with my teachers to help adjust my timetable when needed.”
This season marks Tatu’s debut among Adelaide’s senior squad after he signed a three-year contract during the off-season. A standout in the NPL, Tatu’s winger prowess is often compared to that of former Adelaide talent Nestory Irankunda, who Tatu admired as he progressed through the ranks, eventually securing a notable transfer to Bayern Munich.
However, Tatu draws inspiration from other players as well.
“Of course, there’s Nestor (Irankunda), and also stars like (Ousmane) Dembele and (Lionel) Messi. I do admire them, but I’m also focused on carving out my own path.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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