Hi everyone, Michał here! This week, I had the chance to talk to Galway United forward Malcolm Shaw and Waterford forward Muhammadu Faal. First up is my conversation with Malcolm, followed by my conversation with Muhammadu. Let’s Get Started!
Michał: Can you tell me a bit about how your season has been going so far?
Malcolm Shaw: In all fairness it’s been challenging. Coming in mid season after not playing for a handful of months was never going to be easy by any means. Obviously as a striker / forward player expectations are high and you’re expected to produce goals. It hasn’t fell for me as of yet in my 6-7 game involvements . But I’m continuing to push in all ways to finish the season on a high and help the team as much as possible in the last 4 games.
Michał: How are you staying motivated and pushing yourself to find that form and score goals in the remaining games?
Malcolm Shaw: I simply have to take it a day at a time. I have to continue to work each day and remain professional in my approach and mindset . I have to stay positive and maintain self belief . When I get my chance/ opportunity again I have to simply find a way. And to enjoy my football.
Michał: Do you have any routines or habits off the pitch that help you stay focused and ready for your chance?
Malcolm Shaw: The usual habits of proper recovery. Making sure I am physically ready when called upon. The biggest think is mentally. Remain optimistic and learning to through film study as well.
Michał: How important do you think the mental side of the game is compared to the physical side?
Malcolm Shaw: Obviously I’m still very early into my experience playing in Ireland compared to my 5 seasons in Canada. The atmospheres in Ireland are enjoyable and intense with the home and away fans. It’s a physical and fast league. Canadian premier league is a growing and improving league year by year with good emerging talent and experienced players . There is parity in both leagues and anyone can beat anyone on the day. Promotion relegation as well as European qualification opportunities also adds another element to being here in the league of Ireland.
Michał: On a related note, how has your experience been representing the Trinidad and Tobago national team?
Malcolm Shaw: It was a great experience being able to represent Trinidad and play international football. Not everyone gets an opportunity like that in their career. It was a highlight of my career.
Michał: What advice would you give to young players hoping to reach the level of playing internationally or professionally?
Malcolm Shaw: Work hard and love what you do. Stay humble and try not to compare your journey or progress to others. Be open to opportunities and make the most of them. Challenges and tough times will come , allow them to make you stronger and more resilient. Try to take minimal things personally.
Next up, my conversation with Muhammadu.
Michał: Can you tell me a bit about how your season has been going so far?
Muhammadu Faal: My first month here has been good, settling in well with the team, coaching staff & team mates have been good to me with making me feel comfortable.
Michał: How would you describe the team spirit and environment at the club so far?
Muhammadu Faal: I’ve only been here for a month so I cannot say much but the environment is real good & I can feel that everyone is motivated to get good results from now till end of the season.
Michał: From the five matches you’ve played so far with Waterford, what differences have you noticed between this league and your previous experiences?
Muhammadu Faal: There’s some tactical differences in how teams come and press you but in terms of the technical level, there is not much difference for me. Overall, it seems to be a good level to be playing football and I’m enjoying it.
Michał: Has playing at this level challenged you to improve any particular part of your game?
Muhammadu Faal: There’s definitely an adjust in understanding how your team play and how others play so that’s been the most interesting thing but I think you always want to improve, no matter your age and what level you’re playing at. So I’m always hungry to show what I can do and to improve whether how I score goals, how I assist others and just all around play.
Michał: What motivates you most when you step out onto the pitch?
Muhammadu Faal: I think proving to myself that I can perform at any level that I play at is a big motivation for me as I’m quite self driven and have been since I was a young boy. My family, my brothers also drive me to to do well as they’re a source of happiness n strength for me too.
Michał: What are your personal goals and the team’s goals for the rest of the season?
Muhammadu Faal: I can imagine the teams goals are to put as many points as they can on the board but my personal goals are to play well, get a few goals under my belt and build for next season to really kick on!
I would like to thank both Malcolm Shaw and Muhammadu Faal for taking part in the interview. I wish both Malcolm and Muhammadu the very best of luck, both with the team and in their individual careers. As always, thank you to everyone who read this article, I hope you enjoyed it!