Arsenal legend Lauren Bisan-Etame Mayer spent last weekend in Kampala Uganda on a planned visit to the Airtel Uganda rising star programme courtesy of Airtel Uganda and Arsenal. Alongside Arsenal relations manager Luke Wilson, Mayer didn’t only counsel the rising stars but also met a number of Arsenal fans with whom he caught the English premier league match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Serena Hotel.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga got an opportunity to interview the man who made the rightful back position at the London club his own between 2000 and 2006 after joining from Spanish side Real Mallorca.
Below is the full interview;
Where did you start your career?
I started my career in Spain with Sevilla but I was loaned to Utrera but later played for Sevilla B, Levante, and Mallorca before joining Arsenal
What does it take for an African boy to make it to professional ranks like you achieved it?
It takes a lot. First of all, you have to believe in yourself but dedication, respecting your team mates and listening to coaches is imperative. Plus, you have to work hard. I used to run over 12 km in order to keep myself fit.
What is your comment on the Airtel Uganda rising star programme?
It’s a brilliant opportunity for kids at this age to get the basics of football. This will help Uganda in the future and my prayer is that the partnership continues. I thank my club Arsenal and Airtel Uganda for the initiative.
What is your advice to the Airtel Uganda rising stars?
First, they must consider education a must such that if things don’t work out in football, you have a career elsewhere. Then, they must work hard, be disciplined, listen to coaches as they are very important people in their careers. I am confident; at least one of them will one day cut the grades in the professional ranks.
Why do you think players from the East African region have so far failed to join the top European leagues unlike West Africans?
Success doesn’t come so easily but a lot has to be invested especially in academies and technical personnel. It’s time the region starts making huge investments in the game and the results will come. Thanks to Airtel and Arsenal, the rising star programme is here now.
What is your highest career moment?
There are many. The trophies I won with Arsenal especially that unbeaten season triumph but there is the Supercopa de Espana I won with Mallorca in 1998 after beating Barcelona at the Camp Nou that perhaps stands out.
What is your take on Arsenal’s long trophy drought?
It’s a phase that the team is going through but I see Arsenal winning trophies in future. You can also blame it on the departures of players like Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Hleb among others but the club is still strong and will bounce back.
Is it the right time for Arsene Wenger (Arsenal manager) to go?
No way. He is still an important figure at the club.
Who is the toughest opponent you have ever faced in your career?
It has to be Thierry Henry. I faced him almost every day in training as he always preferred to attack from the left. Competitively, I have talented wingers like Lauren Robert and Damien Duff but Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs is one hell of an opponent I faced. He is very skilled and while it was easy to read what other wingers would do, it was tough when it came to Giggs. He is very intelligent, takes you to the side, and cuts inside, beating you easily with skill and no energy. He is an amazing player.
Did you retire completely from football?
Actively, I gave up after a persistent back injury but am still involved in football. Its one of the reasons am in Uganda at the moment. Football is part of my life.
