…As Former Rivers United Goalkeeper Reflects On The Past Season
Former Rivers United goalkeeper, Victor Sochima in an interactive session on a whatsapp group ‘Naija Footballers Forum‘ last night opened up on what transpired last season and looking ahead to the 2024-25 football season.
…Excerpt
The 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season came to an end last month, how would you sum up the season for Rivers United?
The Season was actually very long for us…Not the best of seasons for us as a group and probably some individuals too. For once we couldn’t wait for the season to finish.
Not the best like you said, what went wrong?
Well…I had to breath in deeply to this but I just have to be diplomatic here. The season has come and gone and we look forward to a bigger and better season ahead.
On a personal note, where you satisfied with your own performance?
The few games I had wasn’t bad in terms of performance but I personally think it would have been better than it was. I wasn’t fulfilled and not what I had thought when the season rolled on.
The few games you played, which one stood out most for you?
A huge performance in my first appearance of the season against Lobi Stars, not bad for someone who never had the taste of it in the first round. We were beaten but I was overly satisfied with my performance.
By your standard, how would you rate your performance from a possible 10%?
A 5/10. An average season.
Do you sometimes question your ability when you are not selected for games?
Every professional always loves to play, working hard all week and being left out on a match day isn’t a dream for anyone. But the managers (coaches) decides who plays so you have to respect their decisions. Questioning your ability means you are doubting yourself, so I don’t for once question myself for whatever decisions.
Rivers United paraded some good players these past season, which player impressed you most?
I must commend the performances of our vice captain and goalkeeper Abiodun Akande. He was outstanding in most matches he played if not all. Special mention as well goes to Kazie Enyinnaya (Mr Consistent) and the hard working Austin Okejepha. Others were brilliant in there own way but I have my pick, as some couldn’t play for one reasons or the other.
Who among these three players you mentioned is you Player of the season for your team?
Kazie Enyinnaya. We didn’t have the season we wished for but it was a great one for individual players in our team .I think Alex Oyowa was brilliant too, a very top talent.
Rivers United finished 8th in the log in a not too impressive campaign, what did you think was responsible for this?
A huge huge question. I think everyone of us should be held accountable for the poor season. The management, coaches and the players.
Stanley Eguma left the Rivers United unceremoniously, was this factor accountable for the poor season?
Like I said earlier without mincing words, collectively we have our blames. He was a great coach and a father figure in the club, more like a symbol. I rather think he should be treated better than this but it’s all summed up our season.m .Some decisions were poor but his legendary status can’t be erased.
Tell us how it was working with the longest serving manager in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Stanley Eguma?
At first I never thought I would get there working with him. It was a pleasure working with him and I’m happy he trusted me and I played my best football yet under him. Not the end we wished for but in all it was amazing having him as my gaffer.
How would you describe the overall team spirit and morale throughout the season, especially during the challenging times?
Not the best. We had the opportunity to salvage our deteriorating season when we had some 5 outstanding matches but it just never happened. It wasn’t our season and we just have to accept it and look forward.
Was it difficult for you mentally competing in three front; Cup, League and CAF Confederation Cup?
No, it’s never a burden. lnfact, it’s a welcome distraction for us because every club will like to be in such shoes. Mind you, for the past 3-4 seasons Rivers United have been participating and competing in three different competitions. No excuses here. We just bottled it.
There were lot of expectations from your team in the CAF Confederation Cup but you were knocked out in the quarter-finals by USM Alger of Algeria 1-2 on aggregate, how did your team reacted to this?
Our run to CCC quarter finals twice wasn’t a fluke. We had the team to go all the way and in both situations, we were knocked out against a good team. But maybe we should have beaten them. We felt we can do Better on both occasions the team that wanted it more got it. Behind the scene alot happened.
Can you confirm to us if Victor Sochima is still a Rivers United player?
Ohh…Sochima Victor’s contract is finished and by extension no more a Rivers United player. I’m proud of my achievements and will always be a fan and wish the club good luck.
There are some transfer speculation about you joining League champions, Rangers or Enyimba FC. Has there been any contact from both clubs?
Yea, they are two massive clubs and it’s never a news that I’m a Rangers fan from childhood and was born in Enugu. I will always be linked with the club every transfer window but I can categorically tell you that I’m still a free player and have not signed for any club yet.
Are there offers on ground for you?
It depends on the offers. The ones formulated by the agents and media or the ones direct from clubs?
From all these you have mentioned?
Yes, there have been if I should answer but the transfer window is long and I’m taking my time to make a decision. At the right time it will happen.
What are your personal goals for next season, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Get a new club of my desire. Play matches and be happy doing my job again. Staying fit and ready is the only way to achieve it.
What message do you have for your fans out there?
To Never give up on me and always support me in good and bad times… Together we shall achieve and win.
