Jelani Grant - interview

Jelani was pivotal in the away game at Chamchuree

Canadian import Jelani Grant kindly took time out to answer my questions this week. Jelani was signed in pre-season, he's a deep midfielder who is also eligible to play for Barbados and could possibly be up against teams like Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago in future.

1) How does a Canadian like you or Ryan get involved in football rather than ice hockey or baseball?

In Canada you are introduced to every sport at an early age. I tried everything from Basketball, Hockey to Badminton. My father was involved in soccer and really pushed me in that direction and from the age of twelve i knew this is what i wanted to do.


2) Is it true that football (soccer) is growing in North America? What can be done to make it more popular?

Football in North America is certainly growing, there are many kids with the desire to play at a professional level but as they get older this goal becomes extremely hard to achieve because Canada does not have the professional leagues to keep the players motivated and therefore many lose focus and quit playing.

I believe more money has to be put into the sport. First at the youth level to help steer the young players in the right direction and give them the proper training to be able to compete with the European Countries. Then in addition to this, more professional teams must be created throughout the country. Canadian players in particular are forced to leave there own country in order to play the sport they love. If players believe there is something to look forward to, they will aspire to be better and keep there dream alive.

3) Can you give us a quick summary of your career to date? What clubs have you played at and how did you end up at Nonthaburi?

USA University soccer till the age of twenty one, I received a full soccer scholarship.
Hungary for a team called Papa Lombard.
Canada Magic Soccer Club and Erin Mills FC
Denmark HIK
Hungary Integral Dac FC and Soroksar FC
Canada York Region Shooters
Nonthaburi FC

When I last was in Canada, a former teammate of mine Dave Simpson was playing for Chonburi FC and put me in touch with some people here in Thailand. I came over, played a match against Nonthaburi Fc and was invited to the team.

4) What have been the high and low points of your career?

I believe the high points to my career are anytime i am outside of Canada being able to play overseas pursuing my dream. So Being in Hungary and Now Thailand are both great times to me.
Low points, both times leaving Hungary not quite knowing what my next move would be. In this business you just have to keep working hard and hope things will work themselves out. As long as you put in the work and continue to play at a high level, things will workout for you.

5) Moving on to Nonthaburi FC matters, how satisfied are you and the squad with the first half of the season?

Nonthaburi FC, the first half of the season was a struggle. Trying to adjust and learn how to play in the coaches system was a little difficult but we had the talent and should have finished in the top three.

6) How is the mood in the camp generally and how much of a problem is the language barrier in communication on and off the pitch?

The players are happy, I believe the camaraderie is much better now. We are able to communicate more with certain players who speak English but generally i think everyone has the same goal and we are able to read eachother on the field. Off the field we are slowly learning some Thai words so we can make one or two jokes with our teammates.

7) Any message for the fans?

For our loyal EKA fans, thank you for your support. Thank you for making Ryan and myself feel at home. Everytime we step on the field we feel as though we are in a home match and that really helps. We will continue to fight for you and try to catch a playoff spot.

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Thanks again to Jelani for his time.