Katanning's Nazary on international stage

Katanning’s Zelfy Nazary will wow international crowds this week when he heads to the USA to play teams from around the world in an international soccer tournament.

The 18-year-old will play in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase Under-19 Boys Telemundo competition for Perth Walkabout Football Club in the club’s debut appearance in the showcase.

The modest midfielder, who emigrated with his family from Afghanistan and has been playing for various Albany clubs, will take on teams from countries including Mexico, Canada, Cayman Islands and the UK.

“It’s a dream come true to play against a European team,” Nazary said.

“Hopefully I’ll do well and make Katanning proud.”

The team, made up of two Perth players, four Karratha players, seven Goldfields players plus Nazary, will be led by coach Dan Evans and manager Steve Malec.

Perth Walkabout FC Under-19s will first play two 60-minute games on Saturday against teams in their bracket, including Tucson Soccer Academy from Arizona and Sagebrush Soccer Club United Red from Nevada.

On Sunday they will play Mid-City Lions Football Club Red from Georgia, and a quarter final against a team from their bracket.

If successful, Perth Walkabout FC Under 19s will compete against different international teams in the semifinals and final playoffs held on Monday.

Nazary has his sights set high, considering applying for a US college soccer scholarship or a position at the Perth Glory Football Club, while not ruling out his dream team Manchester United.

“I’m really excited I’m going over there – hopefully I’ll get some sort of scholarship,” Nazary said.

“The dream is to play for Manchester United but I’ve been trying for Perth Glory too; I was too young at the time, but the scouts and Football West know me.

Hopefully there’s a place for me at the Glory if I move to Perth.”

The Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase runs from February 15 to 18.

A Perth Walkabout FC under-17 boys’ team will also attend the showcase.