BRUCE and Ian Kamau fell in love with soccer while watching the 1998 World Cup huddled around a TV in Kenya.

Inspired by the exploits of their heroes, the brothers would take to Nairobi’s streets to play scratch matches with mates into the night.

“That was how I was introduced to football,” Ian, of Athelstone, said. “Every day we would round up everyone we could and have a kick.”

The brothers migrated to Australia with their parents a year later and have since been creating their own soccer headlines.

Ian, now 22, has returned from his second season playing for Oakleigh Cannons in the Victorian Premier League.

Bruce, now 19, has burst into Adelaide United’s unbeaten first team this season.

“I’m ecstatic to have made my debut with the senior team and to be playing with them, especially after the great start to the season we’ve had,” Bruce, a winger, said.

“Josep (Gombau) is a very good coach and he’s got a lot of belief in young players, so hopefully I can pay him back for the opportunities he has given me.”

The brothers attended Rostrevor College and began their soccer careers at NAB, now Eastern United, before playing at Campbelltown City and Adelaide City.

“We settled in to life in Australia quite easily ... it was just a big adventure for us,” said Ian, an attacking midfielder.

“Our parents were simply searching for a better life for us and they happened to choose Australia.”

Bruce, who made his State League senior debut for Adelaide Olympic in 2012, remembers one-on-one games with his brother.

“We’d usually have a kick out the back of the house or down the local park and it was good because we could always learn things from each other.

“He used to beat me but I don’t know if he would now.”

Bruce last represented SA at under-12 level and hopes his promising form can earn him a call-up to the Australian under-23 side for the Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

Ian is eyeing a path back to professional ranks after playing for Adelaide United’s youth team in 2012.

“It’s all about trying to attract the attention of an A-League club and playing in the best environment to display what I can do,” Ian said.

“The goal is to play for Adelaide United. To do that with Bruce would be a dream.”