Adelaide United’s young winger, Yaya Dukuly, recently took centre stage at a community celebration close to his heart. Personally invited by South Australia’s Premier, Peter Malinauskas, Yaya shared his story at the launch of Heartlands – At the Heart of Identity, a publication by AMES Australia that honours the journeys of refugees and migrants who now call South Australia home.
The event, held on Saturday, at AMES Australia’s Regency Green, was a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism and community. It featured children’s activities, a barbecue lunch, and powerful reflections from those who have experienced the refugee journey firsthand.
Among them was Yaya, who was born a Liberian refugee in Guinea and arrived in Australia at a young age. Now a professional footballer for Adelaide United and a proud representative of Australia at youth level, Yaya brought a powerful and personal voice to the event, speaking directly to newly arrived refugees—some who had only been in the country for a matter of weeks.
“Ames Australia invited me to meet the Premier and speak about just my experience as a refugee coming to Australia,” Yaya said.
“Particularly, there were a group of refugees who were quite new to Australia. Some of them only been here a week. Some of them only two months. Myself being a refugee and coming to Australia when I was quite, quite young with my parents, I just shared my experiences and try to let them know that, you know, this is a land full of opportunities, and that they’re very welcome here.”
His humility and maturity were on full display as he recounted his encounter with Premier Malinauskas—who, as Yaya noted, has his own family roots in the refugee experience.
“He actually seemed to know quite a lot about our season so far, and he wished us all the best for the weekend. His parents also were refugees, so you know, he could resonate with a lot of the people there, and hence why he was there in the first place.”
The invitation alone was a sign of the respect Yaya commands both on and off the pitch. For a 22-year-old, speaking at such a meaningful event—alongside leaders like the Premier—is a powerful testament to his character and leadership in the community.
“I think, when you’re invited somewhere like that, with someone like that, also it shows that you know you are a role model in the community and to the wider community and a lot of people around. It shows a lot of people look up to my story, and I think being there just allowed people to see that you know, if you take all your chances and your opportunities, that you know you can make something of yourself.”
At Adelaide United, we are incredibly proud of Yaya—not just for what he brings to the team as a talented winger, but for the values he represents. The Club embraces and celebrates diversity, and Yaya’s courage and authenticity inspire us all. His story is a reminder of the strength that comes from resilience and the beauty of belonging.
