Yaya Dukuly is embracing the challenge of the A-League run home – confident his next big moment for Adelaide United is just around the corner.
After a hard-fought draw against Wellington Phoenix, the Reds winger says the focus within the group has already shifted to the next opportunity when Adelaide travel to face Central Coast Mariners this weekend.
While Dukuly admitted he would have loved to convert an early chance against Wellington, he says moments like that are simply part of a forward’s job.
“I’ll put my hand up — I probably should have finished that one early,” Dukuly said.
“But that’s football. As a forward you’ll miss chances, and you’ll get more chances to come.”
The key, Dukuly says, is always looking ahead.
“The best thing about football is there’s always a game next week,” he said.
“That’s what I’m thinking about now – going out there, impacting the team and doing what I’ve been doing all season.”
With the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder tighter than ever, Dukuly believes Adelaide’s strong position heading into the final stretch of the season has been well earned.
“We’re not where we are by luck,” he said.
“We’ve been one of the best teams this year.
“The boys are fired up. We know this is the business end of the season and we’re ready for anything that comes our way.”
The winger is also enjoying the most consistent run of his A-League career, having featured in almost every match this season.
It’s a period he says has been built on hard work behind the scenes.
“This is my most consistent patch for sure,” Dukuly said.
“I’ve started most of the games this year and I think sometimes you’ve got to give credit to yourself.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the past 18 months.”
Dukuly also acknowledged the role former coach Carl Veart played in helping prepare him for this stage of his career.
“Carl gave me some opportunities last season and I took a lot from that,” he said.
“He helped get me ready for moments like this.”
Now thriving under head coach Airton Andrioli, Dukuly says he’s enjoying his football more than ever.
“I’m living in the present,” he said.
“I’m focused on the now, enjoying every day and doing everything I can to help the team win.
“I love this club and I want to make something happen this year.”
With a crucial away trip looming and the finals race tightening, Dukuly is confident another opportunity is just around the corner.
And when it arrives, he plans to take it.
“I’ll score the next one,” he said.
