team and scoring goals in Europe? IB: No, however with perseverance I always knew that I will make it in football.
ASM: When did you make the turn to reach this height in your career? IB: It was when I had the opportunity to travel with FC Kallon 2007 to take part in the world's biggest youth tournament, the Viareggio Cup in Italy. After the tournament we went on to play in Monaco against their Under 19 team and we won one nil. I knew, it was my time to shine and that gave me the opportunity to secure some trials with some top European clubs along the likes of A.C. Milan and Swedish club BK Hacken. With BK Hacken I had the worst injury that almost ended my career with a cruciate ligament tear to my knee and no contract was offered.
ASM: When you damaged your cruciate ligament on trials with BK Hacken, what was on your mind when it happened? IB: That was a great blow in my life, because doctors told me: "This is serious and it may end up with you not playing ever again." I turned to God for intervention and help and I was really depressed and frustrated. I underwent an operation and after that I went through rehabilitation for almost a year and I did return back to Sierra Leone to continue with the rehab.
ASM: Who is amongst the African players that inspire you? IB: The Nigerian Daniel Amokachi was a great inspiration to me, I loved watching him play.
ASM: How can you describe your partnership with your childhood friend and teammate Mohamed Bangura? IB: (laughs) That is beyond friendship I always knew our partnership will get us both to the bigger leagues in Europe. It is a much better understanding, playing with Mo- hamed from way back in the days of FC Kallon.
ASM: I understand you went on to play for Cleveland after the injury how was it? Well after my cruciate ligament was healed, I did go to play in US with Cleveland City Stars for the 2009 season and then went on loan to Cascade Surge of the USL Pre- mier Developmental League. With the Cascade Surge I scored a hattrick on my debut game on May 22, 2009, against the Spokane Spiders.
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