YANGA mercurial winger Mrisho Ngasa admitted that he was facing stiff challenge in his trial stint at English Premier League club West Ham. Ngasa who is currently undergoing a two-week trial with the London –based club is facing a competition from at least 20 other players for only three slots available to join the ‘Hammers’ as the London club is popularly known.
According to one of his closest friend, who is also a key player with Yanga, Ngasa admitted that all is not that easy for the deal to come true, but was determined to keep his feet on the ground to snatch what could be a life transformation in his career. “He called me yesterday (Wednesday) and said at least 20 players from various parts of the world are training alongside him (Ngasa) to compete for the three slots.
He sounded optimistic and determined to win one of the three slots,” said the source. Ngasa left the country late last week, and he will hold a two week trials with English Premier League side. Yanga received an official communication last month from the London-based club, expressing their interest on the 19-year old winger.
The ‘Hammers’ have agreed to foot bills of the player during the trial period and will agree a deal with Yanga, if the player passes the trial. This will be the second time for the Taifa Stars tricky winger to attract interest from European clubs. Early last this year he was supposed to go for trial in Norway’s Second Division club Lov-Ham.
However the move collapsed despite reports that the two clubs had already reached agreement for the Tanzanian youngster to attend trials. If he succeeds this time around he would become the first Tanzanian player to hold trial with England’s top flight football. The pint-sized winger mostly operates on the right side, but is equally good cutting in from the left. His mobility, eye for goal and willingness to commit players has always attracted suitors.
West Ham has good reputation on taping up and raising England’s most talented young players. Players like Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Glen Johnson and Frank Lampard have begun their careers at the club. Frustratingly, for its fans and managers alike, the club has struggled to retain many of these players due to financial reasons and they are now looking for players from the outside the continent.
