The Victorian NPL may have another new senior international within its ranks after Nunawading City’s Emile Damey was called up to the Liberian national team for the first time.
He’s been selected in the squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo on May 28th.
The 21-year-old has been one of Nunawading’s key players since his mid-season arrival last year.
Born in Guinea with Liberian heritage, Damey moved to Australia in 2006 where he played locally in Townsville, before having overseas stints in Malaysia and Thailand.
His Nunawading move came in 2015.
While he’s only added one goal to his tally this season, the forward’s form that yielded seven goals in 13 outings for the league strugglers saw him earn trials in Spain and Austria in the NPL off-season, before injuries cut his time short overseas.
Australian football has had a previous connection with Liberia, as former Melbourne Heart defender Patrick Gerhardt is a current senior international for the African nation.
Damey will look to follow in the footsteps of former Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City striker George Weah, one of the highest-profile Liberian footballers to represent his country, having won the Ballon d’Or in 1995.
Having qualified for the African Cup of Nations twice – in 1996 and 2002 – Liberia will be looking to qualify for the first time in 14 years.
“I was born in Guinea but my family is Liberian. And I’m doing this solely for them. My hard work came from seeing my mother struggle,” Damey said.
“It’s a dream any young, ambitious player is waiting for.
“Even at the top level you see players doing everything just to play at a national level. Because nothing is higher than that.”