A-League: South Sudan experience fuels Valentino Yuel's drive for success at Jets

Yuel was called into the South Sudan squad for Arab World Cup qualifiers in June. However, a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad meant they had to forfeit their opening match against Jordan.

"Half the team ended up getting COVID which was an unfortunate turn of events," Yuel said. "We had a two-week training camp in Juba, the South Sudan capital. It was a really enjoyable experience. It was unfortunate that we didn't get to play, but hopefully there are more call up in the future. There is a tournament in Morocco in a couple of months and qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations as well."

Yuel was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and qualifies for South Sudan through his parents. His family migrated to Adelaide in 2005 when he was aged 10. The national team camp was his first visit to South Sudan.

"I got to see family members I have never seen before," he said. "To go home and see what it is like. It gave me a different drive. Speaking to some of the more experienced players, it motivated me even more. I came back with a lot more drive to push my career as far as I can."

Yuel, 27, is battling foreigners Olivier Boumal and Savvas Siatravanis and young gun Sammy Silvera for starting spot at the Jets.

"I am in the best shape of my career," he said. "There is a lot of competition which has made training very competitive. Players have to step up a level. The new guys have brought a lot of experience with them. It is an environment where you are forced to improve. It is an environment that pushes you, drives you, to be better every single day.

"I really enjoy playing as a winger. You have a lot more freedom. You can get one-v-one against defenders and stuff like that. I am a lot stronger in the wide areas where I a can get in behind, rather than the ball coming to feet as a striker."

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Signed to a two-year contact after a successful trial, Yuel made a flying start last season, netting four goals in seven rounds. But his - and the team's - goals dried up.

"I have analysed last season," he said. "I spoke to the coaches as well about being more consistent and avoiding getting into ruts like that.

"It is more mental. I was getting in the right areas and getting lots of opportunities. I looked back to earlier in the season when I was executing.

"I want to be consistent and be able to score regularly."

The Jets play Sydney FC in a friendly behind closed doors in Sydney on Tuesday.

The hit out is their first against A-League opposition and follows consecutive wins over Broadmeadow Magic last week.

"It will definitely be a good test for us," Yuel said. "We have been looking forward to playing A-League opposition since we started training."

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