Interview with Michael Obafemi

MICHAEL OBAFEMI IS THE FIRST TO ADMIT HIS TIME AT SWANSEA CITY DID NOT GET OFF TO THE START HE HAD HOPED FOR, BUT AFTER KNUCKLING DOWN AND PUTTING IN THE HARD YARDS WITH THE COACHING STAFF THE STRIKER IS A YOUNG MAN IN THE VERY BEST OF FORM. HERE, HE TALKS ABOUT ADAPTING TO LIFE IN SA1, HIS UPBRINGING IN LONDON, AND BECOMING AN UNEXPECTED VIRAL SENSATION.

Well Michael, it’s four goals in the last four home games. How much are you enjoying playing in this team?

I mean, I’m enjoying a lot. The gaffer’s had a lot of faith in me to put me in. I’m thankful. I’m trying to repay him with goals and help out the team as much as possible.

The gaffer was quite clear at earlier on in the season that there were things for you to work on and things for you to improve on. It certainly looks like you’ve taken that advice on board and you’ve reacted positively, do you feel that’s the case?

Yeah, 100%. The backroom staff and the gaffer, they’ve put a lot of work and effort into me and it’s time that I repay them with the stuff I do on the pitch.

So you moved to Southampton in 2016, you were there for 5 years before coming to Swansea in the summer. That’s been quite a big transition in itself. How have you found the adjustment to moving away and adjusting to living in Swansea?

I mean, it was difficult in the beginning, being so far away from my natural surroundings. But I think now I’ve come to terms with where I am, I’m really enjoying it. There’s a lot to Swansea that I haven’t seen still, but I will eventually get looking.

You’ve been working quite close with the gaffer and the coaching staff, and one thing they’ve mentioned they’ve found useful are the post-match attacking unit meetings they do. How helpful have you found their support and advice?

Definitely helpful. I think it’s important that layers look back at their games to see what they did and what they can improve on. That’s what we do. We sit down, analyse, and just go through what we did in the game and how we can improve for the next one.

One aspect I want to talk to you about is heading. I know that’s something you’re working on and you went and scored the winner against Blackburn with a header. Is it rewarding when you see that hard work paying off?

Yeah, of course. It just shows that when you practice something, it will come to pass. Is that the word? Yeah, that’s the word for it. I was practicing my heading all week, and thankfully I got on the end of Pato’s ball and scored the winner, I’m very happy about it.

We’ve recently been seeing you alongside Joel [Piroe]. You both seem to be loving that partnership. How much have you enjoyed playing alongside him?

It’s definitely enjoyable. Joel’s a very technical player; more technical than I am. But it’s definitely good. If Joel comes short, he can play me in behind. I don’t want to give that away, but kind of like a big-man-small linkup. I’m defiantly enjoying it and I think it’ll be good for the team.

We recently saw the video of you celebrating Joel’s goal against Bristol City. Now that shows the team spirit here, and it is a case that you all support each other here, isn’t it?

100%. From training to matches, we all support each other; even off the pitch. I believe in him, and it shows in the video. I knew he was going to score as soon as he [nutmegged] him, but I’m happy he got his goal and the team could kick on.

The fans seem to be loving you, you’ve even got your own song. How does it feel when you hear that?

What song? It does give me goosebumps. The song is sick. The sing was originally for Wilfried Bony, so I’m going to try and carry the torch; follow in his footsteps.

We can’t do an interview without talking about one of your most recent interviews, which took about 200 attempts. It’s been seen by nearly 8.1 million people. It went well, didn’t it? Did your Twitter go mad?

No, to be honest. But this one, started awful like that. I don’t expect it to go that well, I know I’m a bit of a character, but I’m just being me. I’m glad the world can see it, I guess.

I have to take you back to growing up in London, and when you first got into football. Your brother also played football. How much of an influence did he have on you?

A big influence. The main reason I play football is because of him. I went to go and watch his games and support him. He got me trials at Leyton Orient when I got released from Watford. So he definitely helped me in my career and to get it kickstarted again. I’m definitely thankful.

What was it like growing up in London? Were you good in school?

Was I good in school? I wouldn’t say I was good, but I wouldn’t really say I was bad either. You know that mischievous kid that was just annoying?

I can see that…

Yeah, that was me. I was a bit annoying for teachers. I got sent out of lessons and stuff, but I was just enjoying it, funnily enough.

You were 17 when you made your Premier League debut for Southampton. That must have been something you dreamt of all your life, but to make it at such a young age it must have made it even better.

Yeah, 100%. I mean, loads of kids around the country; the world even, dream of playing in the premier league and I was lucky enough to do it at such a young age. I will say, I din’t really expect it. I remember I came in on the Saturday, playing for the under-18s against Fulham. My youth team coach at the time pulled me aside and said “You’re not playing”, I was like “Why am I not playing?”. He said: “You’re going to train first team and be on the bench against Tottenham.” I was like “Oh, top!”. Then I trained with the team that day, and the next day was Tottenham. I remember warming up, obviously I’d ever been running on the sideline with so many people. I was just like “Wow!” It was just crazy. I remember it was like the 80th minute, who called me over? I think the manager called me over, and he said “Get ready” and then I came on. You know them old Pepsi adverts? When the cameras just following around. I just felt like I was in the advert. It was so weird, so surreal. Obviously being on the pitch with Harry Kane, at such a young age. I’d watched him on TV. I remember I had a chance to win it in the game. But it was definitely a moment I will always cherish for the rest of my life. You spent a large chunk of your life at Southampton, how much did you enjoy those years? And are you still in touch with quite a few of the boys from there?

Yeah, I mean, it felt like home. I’d moved away from home when I was 15 or 16, to live in digs. So that was like my safety net, sort of. To move away was difficult, but I knew it was the right decision for me. I still keep in contact with the boys, they still check up on me.

And finally, back to Swans matters, what are your hopes for the rest of season here?

To score as many goals as I can, help the team out with assists, even. And for the team to finish as high as possible. I mean, we have what? 16 games left, [we want to] win as many as possible. And do myself proud, the fans proud and my family proud.

JOEL PIROE TARGETING 20-GOAL MARK FOR SWANSEA CITY

Joel Piroe is targeting the 20goal mark for Swansea City after his injury-time winner sealed victory over Peterborough United on Wednesday.

The Dutchman's left-footed strike in the second minute of added time saw Russell Martin's men take all three points against the Championship's bottom side.

It was goal number 17 for the striker who began the season hoping to reach 10 after hitting a combined four goals in his previous two seasons in the Netherlands.

The Swans began the game in full control despite the pouring rain creating a challenging playing surface at the Weston Homes Stadium, and Russell Martin’s side were excellent value for their 1-0 lead at half-time courtesy of Michael Obafemi's cool finish.

But the Posh made an extremely bright start to the second half and two goals in eight minutes left the Swans trailing midway through the second period. The visitors got more of a grip on the game after going behind and Obafemi showed striker’s instincts to stroke home with 20 minutes to go, and – just as both sets of fans seemed resigned to sharing the points – Piroe popped up to make sure the three points returned to SA1.

“I just came back to the middle and when I saw Hannes put the ball back, I thought this is my shot,” said Piroe.

“I’m very happy with the 17 goals this season, I just want it to carry on and reach the 20-goal mark.

“It was great to score in front of the away fans. When you look at the weather and the travel and everything the fans did to get there, it was very nice to be able celebrate with them.”

Despite boasting more possession and shots on target than the hosts, Piroe and his team-mates were left disappointed that the scoreline was so tight at full time – especially after such a dominant first-half display in which they created several big opportunities. “We started really well and played very well in the first half, I think we should have scored more by half-time,” Piroe added.

“In the second half, we didn’t start that well and the way we conceded the goals was not like us – it wasn’t good enough.

“We showed good mentality to bounce back again and win the game.

“Like the gaffer always says, we have a 90-minute game plan. It doesn’t matter if it’s scored in the first minute or the last minute, a winning goal wins the game.

“We just have to carry on. If we look at the first half, that’s how we need to be the whole game.”

Giving Football Back to Small Business

At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven. Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering. But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs. That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities. So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.

SWANS LADIES 2 CARDIFF MET LADIES 1

Goals from Chloe Chivers and Stacey John-Davis secured a hard-fought win for leaders Swansea City Ladies over second placed Cardiff Met in the Genero Adran Premier on Wednesday evening.

The victory opens up a sevenpoint lead at the summit of the top-flight, with another title firmly in the Swans' grasp.

It was a near perfect start for the Swans as they took the lead in the 11th minute through Chivers. The in-form striker made no mistake when she hammered in from close range after some excellent build up play by Karmyn Carter.

It was a tight game with few chances, but the best of the first-half opportunities went the visitors’ way as Swans’ defence cleared one effort off the line and watched another one clatter the crossbar.

But Carter continued to be a good outlet in attack, and she forced an excellent save from visiting shotstopper Annabel Sweeney just after the half-hour mark.

It then took some excellent last ditch defending from the Swans to deny Cardiff Met a goal right on half-time.

Swans started to pile the pressure on the visitors around the hour mark and Carter was close to converting from Chivers’ freekick before the second Swansea goal came. It was a stunning finish from JohnDavis, who lifted the ball over Sweeney to double the advantage in the 68th minute.

The two-goal lead was shortlived, however, and less than a minute later striker Emily Allen had pulled one back for Cardiff Met, beating Claire Skinner at her near post.

But the Swans finished the game the stronger of the two teams. Jessica Williams shot narrowly wide with 15 minutes remaining, while Sweeney made an excellent save one on one late on before Carter saw an effort go just over the bar shortly before full-time.

The win puts the defending champion Swans in pole position to retain their title as the season reaches its final stages

CARDIFF CITY WOMEN 4 SWANS LADIES 3

Swansea City Ladies bowed out of the FAW Women’s Cup at the semi-final stage after a seven-goal thriller away at Cardiff City Women.

It was the perfect start for the Swans who took the lead within three minutes when Laura Davies headed in at the back post from Chloe Chivers’ corner delivery, but the lead only lasted seven minutes with Amy Williams pulling one back for the home side after being played through brilliantly by Lily Billingham.

It was a tight affair after that. Williams nearly got a second for Cardiff but her effort whistled over the crossbar, while at the other end Chivers had a goal ruled out for offside and Ellie Lake fired narrowly wide.

The Bluebirds took the lead on the 35th minute when in-form striker Phoebie Poole converted from the spot, but Swansea were back on level terms in the 42nd minute when another Chivers delivery from a Swans corner caused the home side problems. This time Jessica Williams was there to head in.

They couldn’t hold on though and Cardiff retook the lead just before half-time. Seren Watkins’ corner evaded everyone and found the back of the net to make it 3-2 just before the break.

Much like the first half, Swans had a quick start and scored a leveller within seconds of kick-off. A foul outside the box, gave Chivers a shooting opportunity and she converted in stunning fashion as she found the top corner.

Once again, Swans struggled to build on their fast start and, while they battled hard, they were unable to get another goal.

Billingham and Poole linked up again shortly before the hour mark for the latter to slot calmly into the net to secure a place in the final. Swans kept pushing and pilled on the pressure late on, but Alicia Powe’s header from the edge of the box was the closest they came to an equaliser.

TEAM LINEUP

Swans Ladies: Skinner, Powe, Adams, Lake, K Adams, Chivers, Hosford, John-Davis, Davies, Williams (Oakley 83’), Carter.

Subs not used: Border, Jenkins, Horgan, Rees.