’We are all brothers’: Mabil praises strong Caltex Socceroos culture

He may only have made his Caltex Socceroos debut in October but Awer Mabil says he is feeling comfortable in camp as Graham Arnold’s men ramp up their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

Speaking from the Caltex Socceroos’ training base in Dubai, Mabil revealed the ‘good vibes’ within the camp and praised the culture that has been created by his team-mates.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Arnold issues challenge
READY TO DELIVER: Ikonomidis hungry for AFC Asian Cup 2019 chance

“It sort of feels like we are living here because we have been here quite a lot recently,” Mabil said of Dubai.

“It does have a lot of good memories. Before I made my debut for the Socceroos we were here, so I do feel comfortable.

“It has been really good vibes here. All the players that I have spoken to look forward to coming to camp because it is such a good feeling to be here.

“We are all brothers, we all look out for each other and enjoy each other’s company, so it is really, really good vibes and we are all looking forward to the game on Sunday.

“Just being in this team makes you want to set your standards high and every training you have to be at your best because you have such good players who are pushing you, so the quality is really high. Just being in this environment prepares you along.”

Sunday’s game (11:00pm AEDT) will see the Caltex Socceroos take on Oman in a final hit out before the tournament proper, and Mabil gave some insights into the team's mentality leading into the game and the AFC Asian Cup.

“It is just all about us,” he said.

“We don’t focus on other people because we have such a good feeling around camp that for the game we are just preparing mentally and tactically.

“We are really prepared, and we can’t wait to play.”

Mabil, 23, has taken huge strides in his career over the past 12 months, and has become a key member of his Danish club side FC Midtjylland, while also entering the national team set-up.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Mabil was also recognised for his efforts off the pitch last month, being awarded the FIFPro Merit Award in recognition of his charitable work in Kenya.

Alongside his brother, Mabil founded the Barefoot to Boots charity, aiming to provide education and healthcare as well as providing football boots for the kids in the African country's Kakuma refugee camp.

Kenyan-born Mabil said the award showed that anyone can make a difference.

“It’s something amazing to be recognised for that and just to send out a message that there are people out there and we can make a difference,” he said.

“That was the reason it started and it is a pleasure to be recognised, it’s amazing.”