This article is a part of a 3-part interview with Costa Nhamoinesu. The decorated centre-back, here in the 2nd part of the interview, talks about a lot of things, including his past career, Kerala Blasters, fans and his future.
Costa Nhamoinesu, one of the newly appointed centre-backs of Kerala Blasters FC’s wall, found some time from his hustling schedule to answer few of the questions IFTWC had presented him with.
Click here for the first part of the interview.
Costa Nhamoinesu is the first ever Zimbabwean player to sign for an ISL club. But he is not the first one to play in India. Victor Kamhuka, Oscar Honda, Noel Kasaka, Tapera Madzima and Simbarashe Gate have played for I-League/lower division clubs in the past.
Here’s what Costa said when asked about his move to ISL, “I view the ISL as a league that is trying to improve the level of local football. Their aim is also to be on the world map in terms of football, hence it is an aspiring league. And as for the Blasters, I was attracted by the ambition the club had. Prior to this opportunity, I knew very less about the league or the club until I did some research of my own. I only knew it was a destination for some of the top players.”
Costa Nhamoinesu was impressed with the huge fan following Kerala Blasters have and that played a part to convince him to come to India. The Sparta Prague legend said, “They are a big club who wants to get to the top and the fan base convinced me that they are a really passionate side. Having supporters who would give the club an extra strength and power is always a boon. If you have such fans, then it means you have everything to fight for. Therefore for me, it is the type of club that gives me the throb and the reason to fight for success.”
Kibu Vicuña proved his credentials in the last season by winning the I-League title with the Mariners. Costa has previously played under Kibu in Poland. The Zimbabwean centre-back is all praises for the coach. “I was with coach Kibu sometime back in Poland when he was an assistant coach. For me he is an open and friendly coach, somebody you could approach freely if you had any problems. He always has a smile on his face and tries to make a good atmosphere in the team. What sets him apart is his openness.” That’s how Costa opened up about Kibu Vicuña’s mindset and how the gaffer maintains friendly environment in the team.
Having played over 300 professional football matches, the 34-year-old center back comes with lot of experience. He’s willing to share his experience with the young Indian players to help them to improve. He went on to say, “The idea will be to educate one and other. We have a combination of youngsters and experienced players in the team so we will have to educate each other, learn about our responsibilities and see how to adapt to the situation and the game.”
Sandesh Jhingan has managed to create legacy with the club through sheer hard work. To fill-in those shoes will not be an easy job for Costa Nhamoinesu and the player made himself clear in the first part of this interview that he is looking forward in creating a legacy with the team.