Melbourne City’s Bruce Kamau, Ruon Tongyik and Stefan Mauk have been selected in the Australian U23 side ahead of the 2018 AFC U23 Championships in China.
The trio make up a 23-man squad who will travel to Juangsu Province in January to take on Syria, Vietnam and Korea Republic in Group D.
City join the Central Coast, Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers with three players in Ante Milicic’s squad and the U23 Head Coach says he’s looking forward to challenge the group ahead of the tournament.
“This group will realise huge benefits in their development by playing against some of the best teams in their age in Asia,” Milicic said.
“Playing in and adapting to Asia will present many challenges, but we know the players will improve for these experiences.
“I have been with the senior team for the last four years and I can see how difficult it is in Asia, but also how our senior team has responded to the challenges. Experiencing different playing styles, cultures, atmospheres and traveling overseas helps players develop.
“With a FIFA World Cup just six months away this is the ideal opportunity for these players to impress.
“In our short preparation leading into the tournament we will look to build our foundations and principles of play that we believe in as Australian footballers,” concluded Milicic.
A top two finish in Group D will be required to propel Australia U23 to the Quarter Finals of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship.
