Glory young guns Tando Velaphi and Nikita Rukavytsya have taken giant strides from kick arounds in the local park to game’s big stage. Along the way they’ve challenged each other in what could be described as a perfect football fit.

The combination of goal keeper and striker has meant these regular sparring partners have continued to up the ante and their recent Socceroos selection is proof their training contest have been extremely effective.

“We’ve practised together for many years,” Velaphi said.

Tando Velaphi in action
“I can remember even before we went to the Australian Institute of Sport together we used to go down to the park and he’d bash shots at me and I’d try to save them.

“We still do that now and again,” he added.

The past year has been a blur for both players who have secured their first professional Hyundai A-League contracts, helped the Olyroos in their qualifying campaign for the Beijing Olympics and are now in contention for a debut Socceroos cap.

Despite their meteoric rise the youngsters have maintained a very level head.

“I have been happy with my progress but know there is a lot more I can learn and I’ll be definitely taking it one step at a time,” said Velaphi.

“I think it’s every young footballers dream to represent your country at senior level and at the moment I’m really treating it as a learning experience and if I don’t get the chance to play this time it’ll still be a bonus for me to be around the best players the country has,” he added.

Rukavytsya admits being a little shocked at his senior team call-up however the 20 year old, who arrived in Australia from the Ukraine just seven years ago, said he would be honoured and proud to wear the Socceroos shirt.

"To be able to play at the highest level is why you put in all those hours of practise and I’m very happy to be part of the squad to go to Singapore,” said Rukavytsya.

Nikita Rukavytsya shoots for goal
“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead and I’m thankful to the coaches for giving me this chance. I want to keep getting better and be a part of the Olympics this year and hopefully also the Socceroos in years ahead,” Rukavytsya said.

The pair will link up with Glory team mate Nikolai Topor-Stanley in Singapore on Monday in preparation for the match the following Saturday.

“There are quite a few young boys going to Singapore which is great because we all get on really well. I think that will make it easy to settle into the squad and hopefully we can all impress the coach and get some time on the pitch at some stage,” Velaphi said.

International Match
Singapore v Australia
Saturday 22 March 2008 at National Stadium, Singapore

QANTAS SOCCEROOS SQUAD TO PLAY SINGAPORE

Nigel Boogard (Central Coast Mariners), Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory), Nathan Burns (Adelaide United), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory), Ante Covic (Newcastle Jets), Bruce Djite (Adelaide United), Tarek Elrich (Newcastle Jets), Adam Griffiths (Newcastle Jets), James Holland (Newcastle Jets), Mile Jedinak (Central Coast Mariners), Jade North (Newcastle Jets), Nikita Rukavytsya (Perth Glory), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Perth Glory), Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Ruben Zadkovich (TBC), Michael Zullo (Queensland Roar)