Photos: Sydney FC teen Calem Nieuwenhof’s dream A-League debut, celebration
A teenage footballer called Sleepy woke up sore but “stoked’’ after a dream debut in the A-League. The way he plans to celebrate the milestone with family will make you smile.
Manly
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It was hard to tell who was more excited when Calem Nieuwenhof slotted in a sensational goal on debut in the A-League - the Sydney FC teen tyro or his teammates.
The young footballer was hoisted in the air in excitement by teammate Anthony Caceres and surrounded by others delighted to share in the special moment in Sydney FC’s 2-1 win over Wellington in Wollongong on the weekend.
The only downside was the absence of family at the game - with the Curl Curl based Nieuwenhof household in lockdown due to the COVID cluster on the northern beaches.
“They had to stay at home but watched and were jumping off the coach apparently when I scored,’’ the 19-year-old said on Sunday. “I rang them after. They were over the moon and very proud.’’
Nieuwenhof said he and his family planned to celebrate the milestone at home on Sunday night with a special dinner.
“Definitely not mum’s cooking,’’ he said. “I get to chose the takeaway.’’
Many forecast Nieuwenhof would excel when given the chance to show his wares in the A-League after an impressive Champions League campaign in Qatar in December - and he didn’t disappoint.
“I couldn't have asked for anything more, I was stoked,’’ he said of his 29th minute goal.
“I had a bit of nerves but once it started they went away. I just wanted to focus and do my job and the ACL campaign helped a lot.’’
Sydney FC took the match 2-1 but must now wait until January 16 to take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in their second game due to a rescheduling of matches due to recent outbreaks of coronavirus.
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