Gambia’s Mohamadou Sumareh is set to become the first foreign player to represent Malaysia. Under FAM’s naturalised player project, he is expected to turn out for his adopted country in the AFF Suzuki Cup end of the year. The 23-year-old talks with NSTP Sport
Question: How long have you been staying in Malaysia?
Answer: I arrived in Malaysia when I was 13 years old and studied at MAZ International School from 2007 to 2010. After that I went to SEGI College for a diploma in Business Management.
Q: How did your career as a footballer start in Malaysia?
A: When I was 13, my parents sent me to Kuala Lumpur Youth Soccer Academy for training. I received my first exposure there.
After I completed my diploma, my father asked me to continue with a degree programme, but I didn’t as I wanted to have a career in football. My father did not speak to me for a year because I did not listen to him to study to become a businessman.
My break came in 2013 when Police signed me for the Premier League, after which I played for Perlis and I am now with Pahang.
Q: Who are your favourite players?
A: Internationally, it has to be Angel Di Maria (Argentina) because he is simply amazing. He is a good winger and his dribbling skill is a delight to watch.
On the local scene, my idol is Mat Yo (Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, national and Pahang player). Growing up, I wanted to follow in his footsteps. And he also helped Malaysia win the AFF Suzuki Cup.
As for club, I support Manchester United.
Q: Why do you want to play for Malaysia?
A: This is my home now. As I grew up in Malaysia. I moved up step by step from an academy, to club to national team player.
I have never returned to Gambia since arriving in Malaysia and my family live in Subang Jaya now.
And after what Malaysia has provided for me all these years, this is my way of saying a big thank you.
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
A: My family, and coach Dollah Salleh as well as my Pahang teammates and management. I thank all of them, especially Dollah who has been inspiring me even when I was playing for Police.
The coach made me more resilient, and he is the one who chose the best playing position for my style.
Q: Do you think you can get along well with the other national players?
A: I believe I will not have any problems because I have been playing with or against many of them in the Malaysian League. I also understand Bahasa Malaysia well, even though my spoken form is not very good.
I started learning the national language when I began my professional career so that I can mingle with my teammates.
Q: What do you think about the Malaysian team?
A: Malaysia have many quality players and it was proven during the AFF Cup where the country won with local players while many other teams had naturalised players.
So, imagine what Malaysia can achieve with an injection of naturalised players in the near future. It will take time, but the team will be strengthened.
Q: How has your life been since coming to Malaysia?
A: I am happy to live in Malaysia and I have even gotten used to the culture here. There are many similarities with Gambia’s.
As an example, we also visit relatives and friends during Hari Raya back in Gambia. I also love the food here, and my favourite is ‘nasi goreng ayam kunyit’ (turmeric chicken fried rice).
I have gotten used to every aspect of life in Malaysia, and that's why I said earlier — Malaysia is now my home.