Socceroos’ African heritage offers timely reminder of Australia’s diversity

Socceroos Nestory Irankunda and Mo Touré are two of 12 African-born footballers to play for Australia’s national football team in recent years. Photograph: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

One hails from West Africa, born in Guinea after his family fled Liberia. The other comes from the east of the continent, taking his first breath in a Tanzanian refugee camp after his parents escaped Burundi.

Longtime friends Mo Touré, 22, and Nestory Irankunda, 20, are shining beacons for Australia’s African community, and a reminder that the Socceroos – despite ongoing political rhetoric demonising migrants – are a symbol of modern Australia. The pair’s connection is the spark set to ignite the national team at next month’s World Cup in North America.