Last Jesi wants to emulate Al Hilal legend Sadomba
HIGHLY-rated former Manica Diamonds midfielder Last Jesi says he is motivated by the desire to emulate the success of his compatriot Edward Sadomba after recently becoming only the second Zimbabwean to be signed by top Sudanese football club Al Hilal Omdurman.
The 25-year-old from Mutare’s Sakubva suburb last month made the big move to the Sudanese champions on a reported US$80 000 transfer fee after just playing two games for Zimbabwean champions FC Platinum where he was on a season-long loan from Manica Diamonds.
The move allows Jesi to follow in the footsteps of former Dynamos captain Sadomba, who is still regarded as a legend by the club's supporters.
Sadomba had some of the best moments of his professional football career at Sudanese giants Al Hilal in a four-season spell in which he won the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup Golden Boot awards.
During their CAF Champions League encounter with FC Platinum in January, the Sudanese club’s fans had banners written “We Love Sadomba’’ pitched around the match venue.
Despite FC Platinum’s 1-0 loss to Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League group stage encounter, Jesi put up a splendid individual performance which caught the eye of Al Hilal officials, who quickly moved to secure his services last month.
“Besides earning a good salary and an obvious upgrade from where I was previously, what makes me happier is the fact that I have a chance of making a name for myself here, just like the legend Edward Sadomba,” Jesi told Standardsport in an interview from Sudan.
“We are two different players, but just having a chance as well tapping from what he has shared with me, gives me more courage.
“I hope for a better stay here and I hope that the club will get what they brought me here for because I also came here to make sure that I upgrade myself as a player and as a family man. So far I am settling well and waiting for my time to play and prove my worth,” he said.
The Blue Wave, as Al Hilal are affectionately known, have won the Sudanese championship a record 27 times in addition to seven Sudan Cup titles.
They are the most successful Sudanese club in continental club football, finishing as losing finalists in the CAF Champions League twice in 1987 and 1992 while they also made the semifinals in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Additionally, Al Hilal have reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup on two occasions in 2010 and 2012.
Jesi hopes the experience he gained with FC Platinum in the CAF Champions League will serve him well as he seeks to make an impact on the continental scene with Al Hilal.
“I have played in the Champions League, but then we did not go as far as we wanted. We played Hilal and that is when they saw me and they went on to go beyond the group stages.
“For that reason I am very hopeful of better fortunes in the Champions League, given the opportunity I will do my best so that we win big on the continent and as well in the league.”
Jesi is also hoping his exploits at Al Hilal will see him being called up to the senior national team, the Warriors.
“Above playing at a good club, it is every players' dream and hope to be playing for his country. I am praying this opportunity that I was given by God will help me earn a place in the Warriors setup and contribute like what others are doing.
“I have been looking forward to that chance but now I feel that I might be a step closer to achieving it, but it all boils down to how I play, which means I have to be at my best always so that they can identify me,” he said.