An Interview With Doncaster Rovers’ Mustapha Dumbuya

If you chronicle the career of Mustapha Dumbuya, it’s the stuff of which dreams are made of. Normally in football, if you are not attached to a club by the age of 18, it usually means the dream is over but believing that he had the talent to succeed Dumbuya refused to give up.

Whilst playing at Gray Athletic, his performances brought him to the attention of many clubs and after a pre-season trial Dumbuya was offered a contract with Championship team Doncaster Rover. Mustapha or ‘Mus’ as he is known to his friends, is a fast and powerful full back that can also play in midfield. He has shown the ability to take on wingers and defenders, make intelligent runs without the ball and break into the box.

In the space of a season the young talent had gone from the Conference National league to the Championship. So I sat down with Dumbuya, now 21, to ask how he did it and how he is adapting to his new life as a professional footballer.

CO: How are you doing Mustapha?

MD: Just fine as it international week I’m on a little break.

CO: Good stuff. So let me start from the beginning what has your footballing life been like?

MD: Well I started off playing football from a young age, I have always been athletic but I just seemed to excel at football. I remember playing for a local team called Power House FC and scoring a hat trick helping us win the final. Everyone was pleased for me and it’s a feeling that has always stuck with me.

CO: So fast forward a couple years, you were not attached to a club through your mid teens how was that time?

MD: I just kept working hard; I knew my ability and other people recognised it. I had a few friends who were good but lost heart but I knew through God and hard work I would make it.

CO: So where have you plied your trade?

MD: I’ve played for Wingate and Finchley, Maidenhead and Grays Athletic, whilst at these clubs I had trials with Gillingham and Hereford United but was turned down by both for lack of experience. I also trained with Fulham for a period.

CO: So how did you end up at Doncaster?

MD: Well towards the end of last season, scouts from the club were watching me at Grays. Eventually I was invited for a trial and I impressed after playing pre-season games against Grimsby, Brigg Town and Mickey Walker’s testimonial against Wolves I was offered a contract and I jumped at the chance.

CO: That’s a massive jump, what did you do to celebrate?

MD: Honestly I didn’t do anything which is pretty sad *laughs*

CO: It’s a different world from what you are used to, how did you settle in?

MD: It was very easy settling in as the boys are all down to earth and friendly but the one person that helped me the most would have to be Quinton Fortune, he has to be one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and despite having played at Manchester United is really humble. He’s always offering me words of wisdom. I get along with all the lads but my close friends are Quinton Fortune, James Chambers, Robbie Clark and Jack Wilson.

CO: And how have you handled the difference in quality of opposition?

MD: It didn’t take me long to adapt to the difference in quality because I’m a quick learner and a few weeks was enough for me 2 understand what is needed of me at this level I just had to get fitter and sharper.

CO: When did it hit you that you had made it?

MD: I don’t think I have made it to be honest as I’m on a one year contract but on the opening day of the season we played Watford and as we we’re warming up all I could here was the crowd singing ‘Dumbuya my lord, Dum-buy-aaa’ *laughs*. It was an amazing feeling to know the crowd knew me and they were happy I had signed. They too have helped me settle in at the club.

CO: So who is the best player you have come up against?

MD: Best player I’ve come up against? That’s a tough 1 boy but I would have to say James Coppinger, one of my team mates at Doncaster. I like marking him in training because he’s a very intelligent player and very difficult to mark which will only make me a better player but also Kevin Phillips for Birmingham City, all I can say is what a player.

CO: What’s the best stadium you’ve been too?

MD: The past few months have really been unbelievably for me, I’ve been to the Riverside, St. James Park, The Hawthorns and many more but I would have to say Bramell Lane. It was where I made my league debut.

CO: So what are your plans now?

MD: I aim is to get an extension to my contract and begin to prove myself at this level. Hopefully I succeed and do big things with Doncaster Rovers or anywhere I go, as I believe I can succeed the highest level.

CO: Well Mustapha, it has been great talking to you. I wish you nothing but the best in your career. Anything to add?

MD: Thanks a lot. I would like to thank John Anastasiou, Danny Bailey, Tony Antoniou and my Panthea family Theo, Andy and Nick. As you see through me, anything is possible with hard work and belief in yourself but more importantly belief in God.