Junior Nkana Bassi off to the West Coast

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This article was published 05/09/2017 (3274 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Junior Nkana Bassi feels like he has the world at his feet.

The Windsor Park resident is one of two Manitobans recently selected to join the full-time Vancouver Whitecaps FC U15 residency program, which is based at the club’s new National Soccer Development Centre that is located at the University of British Columbia.

Isaac Milambo is the other Manitoban selected for the U15 program.

Nkana Bassi and Milambo are the latest prospects to move west as a result of the player development partnership between the Whitecaps and the Manitoba Soccer Association.

“It’s a very big honour to represent not only Vancouver, but also Manitoba and put Winnipeg on the map as a great soccer city,” Nkana Bassi, 14, said.

The Bonivital SC product said he is grateful to the Whitecaps to be given the opportunity to pursue a career playing the sport he loves.

“It’s a great sport to play all-around, and when you look at the history of soccer, it’s a great way of bringing nations together, especially at the World Cup,” said Nkana Bassi, who started his playing career as a centre forward, before moving to the wing and then becoming an attacking central midfielder.

Nkana Bassi’s goal is to make it to the Whitecaps’ first team and, eventually, play for the Canadian national team. Originally from France, the teen is now a Canadian citizen.

When asked about his favourite player, Nkana Bassi opted for the Brazilian superstar Neymar.
“Not only because of how Neymar plays, but also how because of how he gives back to his community,” he said.

Nkana Bassi’s faith also plays an important role in his life, both on and off the pitch.

“I believe in God and I don’t know where I’d be without him,” he said.

He is also grateful for the help and support of the coaches he has worked with in his career so far.

“My coaches have been so amazing and my friends have supported me through this whole process. I’m so grateful,” he said.

Nkana Bassi previously took part in the National Development Centre program at Glenlawn Collegiate before school.

The teen also points to the major influence of Victor (Chico) Andrade, the owner of Chico’s Soccer School of Excellence, who has taught him “fundamental soccer skills and techniques on and off the pitch” that have helped make him the player he is today.

Nkana Bassi’s father, Benjamin, said his son’s success to date has been a source of great pride for the whole family.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifice by the whole family, which pushes him, including his sisters (aged 10 and 3),” said Benjamin, who acts as a “mental coach” to his son.

“Junior’s family are his number one fans and he is a great source of pride and joy and a great example of a success story,” he said.