UPDATE: Al Hassan Toure is playing a pivotal role in helping Abel Walatee thrive at Sydney FC, following the turmoil at his former club, Western United. As Walatee settles into his new team, Toure’s presence has been crucial in making the transition smoother after Western United’s financial crisis led to its “conditional hibernation” for the 2025-26 A-League season.
The 21-year-old winger, who was highly sought after due to his talent, chose Sydney FC as his new home. However, moving away from his family in Melbourne posed challenges. Walatee expressed gratitude for Toure’s support, saying, “I didn’t know Al Hassan before coming here, but the fact that we had that connection being from the same background, the same culture, it made it easier to get closer to him.”
Toure, who also arrived in Australia as a Liberian refugee, has quickly become a mentor to Walatee. “He’s helped me settle in and was one of the first people to show me around. He’s made me feel welcome, so coming here is like meeting another brother,” Walatee added.
The bond between the two players extends beyond their shared heritage; Toure is the older brother of Socceroos striker Mohamed Toure, who is the same age as Walatee. Toure stated, “I try to do the best I can to not only inspire Abel on the pitch but also off the pitch.” He emphasized the importance of their connection, noting, “There’s always that Liberian bond that we have.”
In a further boost for Walatee, Ben Garuccio, his former captain at Western United, has also joined Sydney FC. Walatee expressed excitement over the signing, stating, “With Benny being here now, I have someone else that I can also look up to and someone that will make me feel even more comfortable.”
Garuccio is set to make his debut for Sydney FC against the Central Coast Mariners on October 14, 2023, at Leichhardt Oval. Walatee remarked, “I think he’ll be available for selection this week. It’s going to be a tough game and a very good challenge for us.”
As Sydney FC gears up for this crucial match, the team looks to leverage the strong connections and support within its ranks to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start to the season. Fans are eager to see how the camaraderie and shared experiences of Toure, Walatee, and Garuccio will impact the team’s performance moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!
