Phoenix rising

Glenn Watson | 10th November 2009

Wanganui soccer fans may soon have added reason to follow the fortunes of the Wellington Phoenix.

Local lad James Musa, 17, is training with the side for the next six weeks.

And if he continues to impress the training staff, he could have his short-term contract extended.

Former English football pro Jonathan Gould, No 2 to head coach Ricki Herbert
 spotted Musa's talents at the national schools tournament a year ago.

"James is a lovely lad. He has great athleticism, an excellent physique for a footballer, and is doing well. It's a big step for him in a short space of time, but he was well looked after by Dave McKay, the football coach at Wanganui High School.

"I'm not willing to speculate on his future at the club but James has been given a window of opportunity."

English-born Musa's bid for a long-term Phoenix contract is helped by the fact he has a strong left foot, allowing him to play at centre back, a position many clubs find hard to fill.

Proud mum Mandy Musa, a local referee, said yesterday she and husband Memo were "over the moon" about their son's progress in the game.

 "I couldn't believe it when Gouldy contacted us and said he wanted James to play for the Phoenix against a Wellington team just after Labour Weekend.  We thought he would get about 10 minutes but he played the whole game.

"It's been a dream of James to play professional football and play for the Phoenix."

James must have passed the trial with flying colours. Within days he was training with the first team, impressing Herbert with his attitude and workrate.

"Ricki's been good. He told me to keep going hard," said Musa yesterday.

Herbert is so encouraged he will have Musa training with the All Whites this week, ahead of their World Cup showdown with Bahrain in Wellington.

It will give Musa a chance to meet up with Rory Fallon, who played for English side Plymouth, Musa's place of birth.

It was in Plymouth that a 4-year-old Musa first received soccer coaching from former pro footballer Danis Salman.

Three years later Mandy and Memo decided to emigrate to New Zealand.

Salman was devastated. He was convinced James had the gift and could have gone on to become a top pro in England.

"But Danis was absolutely delighted when we told him what was happening with James at the Phoenix," said Mandy.