Ahead of this week’s First Division play-off final, LOI Talk sat down with Treaty United’s Ben Lee to interview him about himself, the upcoming fixture and the mentality surrounding the game.
The Interview.
Ben, for those who might not know your story, can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and how did you first get into football?
I’m 19 years old and originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I moved to Vancouver, Canada at the age of 7, that’s where I actually found my love for football. I grew up playing rugby and cricket and then when I came to Canada, my first lunchtime break at school the kids invited me to play soccer, and after that day I just fell in love with the sport.
Growing up, who would have been the biggest influence on your career, whether that be a player you loved watching or someone close to you and why?
I’d say for me it definitely would be my parents. They’ve always given me that belief and support from when I was young. They’ve really sculpted me to who I am today, and all the extra training I’ve done with my dad over the years has been a huge influence into how I’ve come a long way in the game. I give it all to them.
You’re originally from Canada and South Africa – how did the move to Ireland and Treaty United come about?
Before this [Treaty United] I was with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the coach there knew Ciara [Ciara McCormack]. That’s kind of how the link happened. After that I got in touch with Tommy[Tommy Barrett]. I came on trial in January and was successful. It was really great for the club to give me the opportunity.
Was playing in Europe something you always had your eye on growing up?
Yeah Absolutely, it always is when you’re in North America. So as soon as I heard of the opportunity I was really excited. And again, it’s a blessing to be here and playing. I’ve loved every moment of it.
You’ve settled into life at Treaty really well — how have you found the League of Ireland experience so far in your first season?
It’s been amazing. It’s really been great. Everyone has been super welcoming, the team has been unbelievable in that point of view, and helping me grow as a player. There was an adjusting period, it’s definitely a different style of football and I was going from academy to my first time in men’s football this year. But the league is fantastic, every game is competitive. Loved all the stadiums, got to play at every one, which was awesome. Every one[stadium] had a different vibe to it. It’s just been an unbelievable experience, I’ve loved it.
Your first goal for Treaty United came at a really important moment in the playoff race down at Mounthawk Park against Kerry FC. Do you remember much of it and how did it feel to get such an important goal?
It was unbelievable. I had just come onto the field a minute before and I saw Roy [Roy Lawlor] get into the ball, he’s very very good at driving into the field, once the defender followed him I just went behind Roy and the ball fell to my feet, he[Roy] did a fantastic back pass, right place, right time, and then all the emotions just flooded out.I was so happy. I ran to the fans, I was just so happy for the team, to get a tie at an important time. It was an unbelievable feeling
Into the play off final on Sunday against Bray Wanderers, a quick word on the semi final against Cobh Ramblers, 2 excellent performances from Treaty Friday and Tuesday night — what do you put it down to?
I think going into the game we had a really great message, just the whole vibe around it was that we wanted to go and win. Obviously Cobh has experience, loads of their players have been in the league for a while. We’re a bit of a younger team, some inexperience, but we went out there and every single player gave it their absolute all and I think a big moment for me which I loved was in the second game when they[Cobh Ramblers] scored late, 1-1 going into extra time, the momentum could’ve easily swung their way, but going into that extra time the message was “we’re gonna go win. It doesn’t matter if it’s extra time or penalties.” As a player that gives you all the confidence to go out and play your game. The whole positivity around it and the belief was huge and also the fans, as we knew how badly they wanted it. As footballers, we’re entertainers, they[the fans] are one of the most important parts. The support was unbelievable. They gave us all the energy we needed. Defensively over the two legs I thought we were unbelievable as well. The team played superb. It was really enjoyable to be a part of.
How important is it having the Treaty United supporters at home and away during these games, does it make much of an impact?
I think it’s huge. That’s what it’s about, you know, they are taking evenings out of their Fridays and Tuesdays. To see that amount of support come to an away day was unbelievable, I mean every time we made a tackle or got in on goal, to have that backing behind you, it gives you all the energy you need . They’ve been fantastic, I think it’s gotten even better now for play-offs. It’s been amazing as a player to see.
How is the mood in the camp going into Sunday?
We’re all very positive. We’ve been in good form lately, which is great. We’re building week after week. It’s just getting better and better. So I think it’s been very positive in the camp,[we’ve] been training well. We’re all looking forward to the game on Sunday.
The games between the two sides have been close this season, Treaty winning 2 and Bray winning 2 — what kind of battle are you expecting?
Bray is a very tough team. All the respect to them, they deserve to be in the final. They’ve done extremely well this year and yeah, we know it’s going to be tight.You can never predict a game, but all I know, I can speak for ourselves, we’re all going to give it our all. We want the same goal, we’ve all given into it. From our point of view we’ll give it our all. We want to go out there and have a big performance. But yeah, we know it’s gonna be tight and a very tough game. We’re all up for it and very excited for it.
Personally, what would a result on Sunday mean to you?
It’s huge, it would be great for my first year in Ireland. To be able to compete in a final would be absolutely incredible. Just being apart of this team this year has been absolutely fantastic. Everyone’s been great. Personally it’s great but I love being part of a team and that’s the most important part. That feeling of getting through against Cobh, it’s an addicting feeling, I would love that same feeling against Bray.
And finally, if you could send one message to the Treaty supporters thinking of going to the final on Sunday, what would it be?
We’re going to give it our all. We are doing this for you. You guys are some of the most important parts of it, and we love it. We love having you guys down there. We want to give you a good game. We want to go out there and give it our all, and we will. I’m just really excited. Hopefully a bunch of you guys come down, and all the energy and support, it helps us so much so it would be much appreciated.
The Final Word.
LOI Talk thanks Ben Lee for his time and wishes him and Treaty United the best of luck ahead of the match. Below you can find the details of the match this Sunday.
Where to watch: LOI TV
Kick off: 15:00 at Athlone Town Stadium
Referee: Declan Towland
Match Odds: BRAY 6/5 | 23/10 | 9/5 TREATY (PaddyPower)