Brit-Asian footballer shares his thoughts with The Asian Today
WALSALL-born Netan Sansara packed his bags and moved to Cyprus over the summer after putting pen to paper on a deal with PAEEK FC. In doing so he became the first British Asian player to feature in the Cypriot League.
In a series of Exclusive Columns with The Asian Today, Netan gives us his thoughts this month on…
… The Asian Football Awards
I think over the years more and more people are becoming aware of the growth of Asians in football and the ‘right people’ have taken notice of this and started to push the issue more. We live in a multi cultural society and Asians in football across the world is becoming a regular occurrence grassroots and professionally.
…on his future with PAEEK FC
There have been discussions about my future here in Cyprus and the club has offered me a new 2 year deal. It is something I am pleased and honored about but I have yet to make a decision on the new contract. At the end of the season I will discuss my future with my agent and parents and see what options are best for me and the development of my footballing career.
I had the honour recently of being nominated for an Asian Football Award and it was an amazing feeling.
I was nominated in the ‘Player of the Year’ category and even though I didn’t win it was a fantastic achievement to be nominated amongst such great players.
To be nominated for me was an achievement in its self and to be the youngest nominee is something I am very proud of. It’s good to see that there are so many Asians involved in professional football – the younger generation can look up to people like us and aspire to be like us.
There were some fabulous players in the ‘Player of the Year’ category. Every player in the category is a good player in their own right and deservedly was up for nomination. They are all doing well wherever they are plying their trade.
Michael Chopra in particular stands out because his goal scoring record over the seasons has been very good and he is a quality striker.
I would have loved to have gone to the awards but due to my commitment with Paeek my agent and father went instead.
I spoke with them a few days later and they were hugely impressed with the organization and turn out from a number of high profile football names.
They were really impressed with the support the awards received from a number of clubs here in the UK and abroad. This type of support only serves to give Asians greater opportunities to get into the sport.
The Awards themselves are a great way of showcasing Asian participation in the game from all levels. I hope the awards are here for a long time so players who are coming up through the ranks and even established players like myself can get that exposure across the game.
The awards are long overdue – this should have been done 5-10 years ago. I think over the years more and more people are becoming aware of the growth of Asians in football and the ‘right people’ have taken notice of this and started to push the issue more.
We live in a multi cultural society and Asians in football across the world is becoming a regular occurrence grassroots and professionally.
I’m continuing to work hard for Paeek. We’re going through a bit of a sticky patch at the moment and I’m due to miss a crucial game against current leaders DOXA FC after picking up a ban.
I’m gutted my 100% appearance record is coming to an end but I will bounce back and hopefully continue with some good form. As a team we are still only 3 points off the 4th play off spot so we still have everything to play for. A few wins and we can turn it all round.
There have been discussions about my future here in Cyprus and the club has offered me a new 2 year deal. It is something I am pleased and honored about but I have yet to make a decision on the new contract. At the end of the season I will discuss my future with my agent and parents and see what options are best for me and the development of my footballing career.
I’ve been asked by some reporters if I would ever consider a return to the UK. And the answer is of course if the offer was right. I want to play games week in week out and if that opportunity arises it is something I will look into – I would not rule anything out.
From a football fan point of view how amazing is it seeing my beloved Liverpool in the final of a major cup competition!
When Kenny Dalglish took over at Liverpool I think he wanted to put his own stamp on things and slowly he’s doing it. It takes time to find the right formula and I think he is getting there. Getting to the final of the League Cup is massive for Liverpool and a good run in the FA cup could be vital too.
I think this year Kenny deserves a bit of patience with the League position, next year I feel the team can push on and finish in the top four where Liverpool should be! Our season is far from over it can still finish with us doing the double and also maybe sneaking into the top four, who knows? I think I can safely say we will end the season with some kind of silverware!
