Double Act forged at early age
Football
Sydney Football Clubs are crying out for strikers and yet they allowed one of Australia’s hottest properties –
Nathan Burns – to slip through the net.
The same happened with Burns’ partner in crime Bruce Djite.
Raised in Blayney, near Bathurst, Burns decided at a very young age that football would be his profession and at 14 he
received a n offer from Kelly Cross to attend the NSW Institute.
“It was a big thing to move at that age, but I had to take the chance,” Burns said.
But who should he meet up with at the Institute? None other than Bruce Djite.
After attending Westfields Sports High School, Burns was on his way to the AIS in Canberra, as was Djite.
Strange as it may seem, it was former Adelaide coach, John Kosmina who asked both Burns and Djite to come across for a trial.
“Sydney had their three under-20 positions filled and Kossie needed two more players,” Burns said. “We went over there for
three weeks and got the nod. I signed for two years. It was great because we know each other so well. We have trained just
about every day together for the past four years”.
There haven’t been too many goals scored in the A-League this year but Burns and Djite have two a piece. “It’s a good start
to get goals behind you,” Burns said.
As a footballer who by his own admission, is very laid back, Burns said he has a “good feeling” about Australia qualifing
for next year’s Beijing Olympics. I think this is the best Olympic team we’ve had in a long time. There is so much depth.
With thanks
Posted 20th September 2007
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