Awer Bul Mabil, a South Sudanese-born Australian Football star was in the country on a three-day family visit - Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio June 19, 2023

South Sudanese-born Australian Football star Awer Bul Mabil is encouraging young people to believe in themselves and strive to achieve their dreams.

The young star who plays for the Australian national team played in the 2022 World Cup alongside two other South Sudanese in Qatar.

Mabil made headlines in the global news when he scored the qualifying goal for Australia to compete in the World Cup.

Speaking to Eye Radio on his football Journey, Mabil encouraged young people to work hard towards their dreams.

He says they should never give up their aspirations despite the numerous hurdles they find along the way.

“I’ll say, believe that the world is bigger than what you think it is and the world is your playground,” Mabil said.

“You can become anything you want,” he added. “You just have to believe and work towards that and have that grip to push through even when times are tough.”

“Even though sometimes you don’t see what’s coming or any changes coming,” he said. “You have to keep pushing. This would be my biggest advice.”

“Just go out there and continue to push and dream big because they all come true if you continue to work,” Mabil told Eye Radio on Monday shortly before taking off from Juba.

Mabil was in the country on a three-day family visit.

But the Australian young player said he was surprised with the love shown to him while in the country – something he said, has given him more power to open the way for young South Sudanese.

“I was surprised with how much love I was shown by my people. it’s overwhelming, to be honest,” Mabil said.

“It just gives me more power and I will utilize it that more to push for more and try t set the way for the young players and young South Sudanese.”

Mabil is the co-founder of the humanitarian charity Barefoot to Boots, which improves health, education, and gender equality among refugees, as well as equipping young refugees with sports equipment.