Melbourne Victory’s Elvis Kamsoba has proven that patience and perseverance seldom know defeat, winning his Hyundai A-League opportunity on the back of several standout seasons at development level in both South Australia and, more recently, Victoria.
The 22-year-old flyer only joined the reigning A-League champions on January 3 and has featured prominently in eight of the subsequent nine league games.
Key to his promising start to life at AAMI Park has been a growing relationship with Head Coach Kevin Muscat.
“He’s been great to me,” Kamsoba said Wednesday.
“Back in the day he was a hard man when he was playing, but when you get to know him he’s a great guy.
“[He’s been] telling me, ‘Elvis, do what the team requires of you,’ and allowing me to play football and develop every session, every day.
“It’s very enjoyable, I’m enjoying every second – every minute of being here.”
Kamsoba admitted to nerves early in his time at his new club, but with the help of some confidence and self-belief he was able to conquer them quickly.
“When I joined I was a bit nervous seeing so many players who have played at the highest level.
“Since coming to Australia people have been telling me, ‘Elvis, you have a chance of making it to the A-League…’ so I just kept training hard.”
“The [biggest] thing for me was trying to develop and step up from NPL and learn every day – that’s what I’ve been doing.”
Foremost in his mind is this weekend’s Melbourne Derby at Marvel Stadium, but beyond that an AFC Champions League campaign awaits – something the former NPL player could have only dreamt about a short while ago.
“Its always a big game.
“I watched [the last one] from the stands, it was a great game. The fans go crazy and I love that. I’m looking forward [to it].
“It’s exciting to be participating in [the Asian Champions League], but for now we’re just focusing on the Derby and the rest of the games will follow.
“I just want to keep playing consistent football, be in the starting eleven and see where that can go.”
