Team harmony is key to success for Omeonga
BY ANTHONY HAGGERTY STEPHANE OMEONGA aims to hit the right notes off and on the park as he looks to sink Celtic and reach the Scottish cup semi-finals.
The 22-year-old is desperate not only to learn the words to Sunshine On Leith but also play the famous football anthem on the piano.
The midfielder is taking piano lessons and top of his list is adding club’s unofficial anthem to his repertoire.
Omeonga said: “If we win on Saturday then I will definitely have to learn the words to Sunshine on Leith. It’s a great song!
“The players have asked me to learn it on the piano and I will do that. If Hibs get to the Scottish Cup Final I will definitely do it.
“How good am I as a piano player? I don’t know. That is up to the people who watch me!
“I’m doing okay but learning that song can be my next challenge.
“I learned because as a footballer you have a lot of free time.
“I don’t live with my girlfriend, I’m here alone so it’s something to do with my free time.
“I don’t just want to play the PlayStation or watch a series on TV – I can learn something at least.
“The other boys all have lives. Most of them are from here and have family and kids. I am on my own, I’m just here to play football.
“Maybe I can start a band if anyone else can play!”
Now the Belgian is dreaming of repeating Hibs’ stunning 2016 success under Alan Stubbs having never came close to winning a medal in his career.
Omeonga said: “I see Hibs’ name on the trophy and it’s good to know there are still people here who won the trophy.
“It goes to show it can be done, it’s possible.
“They’ve not spoken a lot about winning the Cup but I have watched some videos on my own of the fans signing after the 2016 final – it was just wonderful.
“It is for these types of games that I came to Hibs. I’m looking forward to playing if I get the chance. This is the closest I have come to a professional trophy.
“I’m buzzing, it’s quite emotional!
“We are far away from lifting it for real but if that was possible it would be amazing.”
The irony is certainly not lost on Omeonga that the man who signed him for the Edinburgh men will now be in the opposing dugout.
He refused to divulge the Hibs players true thoughts on Neil Lennon’s departure and appointment at Celtic as Brendan Rodgers’s successor.
Omeonga said: “I’m used to it. I’m young but I learn how to manage things. It was not that bad. It’s just football and it will be cool to see Neil Lennon again.
“The guys want to lift the Cup again and we are focused on that.
“Celtic are a good team and they have played games in Europe.
“At Easter Road Hibs have beaten Celtic a couple of times so why not again? We have to be confident.
“We’ve won three games in a row with the new coach and four as a team. We don’t have to be scared.”