Shepparton’s Garang Kuol set for Netherlands return following UEFA Conference League winner versus Aberdeen

Three-and-a-half years on from his senior bow for the Socceroos against New Zealand back in September 2022, the former Goulburn Valley Suns attacker has become something of a journeyman - having represented four clubs since departing his home country.

Now 21, the striker is turning out for Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, following on from a permanent spell with Newcastle United in England and two loan moves to Heart of Midlothian in Scotland and Volendam of the Netherlands.

Having made history in Qatar, becoming the youngest player to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since Pelé in 1958, hopes were high that the Socceroos may have unearthed a genuine elite talent.

However, his move to Newcastle proved to be a mixed affair as he struggled to make much of an impact following his switch to the English Premier League - as he failed to make a senior appearance in the division.

Fast forward to 2026 and the ex-Shepparton Soccer Club prodigy is finding his feet in Prague following a series of short-term loan spells.

The five-time Australian international has appeared on 20 occasions for the Czech outfit, having recently re-found the kind of form that first made him a household name during the infancy of his career.

Arguably the wunderkind’s most significant contribution for the 38-time Czech champions came in December in the form of a smart finish in a 3-0 win over Aberdeen in the previous round of the UEFA Conference League.

Supplied with a sumptuous cross which was fired across the opposition’s six-yard box, the Shepparton striker was well-placed to finish off what was a sweeping move.

At that point in the campaign, the youngster had made just three starts since making the permanent move from Newcastle United.

Although he has failed to find the back of the net since, there has been reason for optimism about Kuol’s long-term prospects and he supplied an assist against Banik Ostrava last month.

Now, the scene is set for the starlet to build on his heroics in the previous round on the European stage - with first leg of the Round of 16 set to take place between Sparta Prague and AZ Alkmaar on March 12.

At a press conference previewing the clash against the Dutch side, Prague manager Brian Priske spoke about his own feelings about returning to the Netherlands - something Kuol will be able to relate to, having played there for Volendam last season.

“I took a lot of experience and memories from here for the rest of my career, but now I'm focusing on Sparta and getting a good result,“ the Sparta coach said.

“[Alkmaar] is a good team, young and has a lot of talented players. Haraslín has already said before me that he combines well and has an attractive playing style. It will be an interesting challenge for us.”

The European competition probably represents the only opportunity for Kuol and his teammates to clinch silverware this season, which is something his manager only knows too well.

“At the beginning of the season, we announced that we wanted to win the title, advance to the cup final and go as far as possible in Europe,” he said.

“From this point of view, last week was difficult for us, we were eliminated by Boleslav and then lost the derby, but that's football.

“We evaluated it and we are moving on.”

Sparta Prague will play AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16 (first leg) of the UEFA Conference League on March 12 at AFAS Stadion.