Afolabi joins the Gypsies
Serge can’t wait for CSKA visit
SERGE Atakayi was the toast of Inchicore and of Irish football on Thursday night — but insists he has not come to St Pat’s to be a superstar.
Resilient Atakayi has had his ups and downs in the game.
This past week has seen him experience a rollercoaster of emotions as he went from FAI Cup zero to ECL hero with his new club.
His 87th minute winner against CSKA in Sofia on Thursday night has handed the Saints a great chance of making the European competition’s play-offs.
Cue instant legendary status at Richmond Park.
Legend
“I cannot say I am a legend,” smiled the 23-year-old striker.
“I’ve not come here to be a superstar, I’ve come here to work hard, to be a good player, to improve and for my career.
“With these lads, they will help me to improve as a football player.”
However, he is certain that it was one of the best nights of his career.
“Yes, I can say at this moment, because my football has been up and down quite a lot,” Atakayi reflected.
“So this means a lot for me, for my family. I’m so thankful for this win in Europe and I’m very thankful to God.”
From seeking asylum in Finland along with youth team members at the Helsinki Cup as an 11-yearold to bouncing back from an unsuccessful move to
IRELAND under-21 international striker Jonathan Afolabi has joined Bohemians from Celtic.
Afolabi, 22, has made a permanent move after previously spending time on loan from the Parkhead giants with Dunfermline, Dundee, Ayr United and Airdrieonians.
The former St Joseph’s Boys player signed for Southampton in 2016 and lined out for their Under-18 and reserve sides.
He also represented
Rangers, the striker from the Democratic Congo has been through so much.
Atakayi joined the Saints three weeks ago from SJK on an 18-month contract and was hungry to make an early impression, and he looked the part off the bench in last week’s second qualifying round victory over Mura.
But he did so in a negative
Ireland at the Under-19 Euros in 2019, started all three group games and hit the net against Czech Republic. Afolabi is also eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents.
Signing
After making the indemand marksman his ninth signing of the summer,
Bohs boss Keith Long said: “I would like to welcome sense in Sunday’s FAI Cup clash at home to Waterford when, with the score at 1-1 in the first half, his weak back pass allowed Wassim Aouachria to pounce.
Crash
The holders went on to crash out 3-2.
But Atakayi more than redeemed himself four days
Jonathan to the club.
“We felt it was important to bring another attacking option to add to what we have already in Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe and Ethon Varian.
“At 22, Jonathan has good experience in Scotland from his loan periods from Celtic in addition to representing Ireland all the way up to Under-21 level.
“At 6ft 2in, he is a big powerful striker who can hopefully make a big impact at the club.” later as, in a super sub role, he kept his cool to nutmeg the keeper and pass the ball into the empty net in the Bulgarian capital.
He was down in the dumps for a day after the Waterford game.
“Maybe Monday,” he recalled.
“After the game I was not happy, I just spoke to the manager and he said to be myself so that’s how football is. Then I play again.
“I was disappointed we didn’t go through because the club won the Cup last year and that was my main aim when I came here, I wanted to win the Cup.
“The most important thing was to win in Europe so that’s why I am so happy now.”
Saints boss Tim Clancy had loads to say to Atakayi as he came on for Billy King in the 81st minute.
The Saints boss sensed that, despite missed opportunities earlier, the game was there to be won.
Asked what Clancy wanted from him, Atakayi replied:
“Energy.
“Try to give more energy because Sofia were tired, the centre-backs, and that was the threat I tried to bring.
“I’m not sure if we said ‘we can win it’ but we defended very well as a team and we got the win.”
The Saints will need to produce another big performance at home on Thursday, though home will be
Tallaght Stadium rather than Richmond Park.
“Yes, it’s still halfway,” Atakayi said. “We need the fans for the next game to stick with us, we need everyone to be behind us.
Belief
“Anything can happen but we are now in the lead, so hopefully ... now we have more belief because we have won away.
“We’re going back to Dublin, to our fans, so they are under more pressure coming to us.
“But we need to be more focused, the game is not done yet. Hopefully, we can finish it next Thursday.
“I’m looking forward to it but we need our fans behind us.”