Having spectacularly announced himself on the main stage, Emmaisa Nzondo says his debut goal against Manchester City EDS on Tuesday evening was the stuff of dreams.
The young striker, introduced for Max Watters with an hour played at Oakwell, rose highest to head home fellow academy graduate Theo Chapman’s cross to put the Reds 3-1 ahead in our EFL Trophy group stage clash.
“It’s what you dream of,” he smiled. “Since I was younger, I always dreamed of making my debut, but to also get a goal as well is special and I’m grateful to God no matter what I do, but it’s a great honour to even get picked because not many kids my age are able to say that they’ve made their professional debut. And to get a goal as well is even better, so it’s a special feeling to be fair.
“I just wanted to get some contact on it and hope for the best! When I saw it going in – I thought it was going over because of how I hit it – but when it went in, my emotions were all over the place.
“I didn’t know what to do; I just celebrated. It was my professional debut and first professional goal, so it was even better to get on the score sheet.”
What was more special for the 17-year-old is that he was able to make his first senior appearance alongside some of his close friends – particularly Jonathan Bland, whose name was also added to our esteemed Alumni.
At number 1421, there are plenty of players before him – many of whom have written their name into Barnsley folklore – and there will be lots more to come in the future, but Nzondo is now firmly part of this Club’s rich history.
“Vimal had already made his debut, but for me to make my debut with Jono – we go way back when we played against one another for our old clubs – for us to come here and make our debuts together is surreal,” admitted the youngster.
“I achieved a lot with him last season and to achieve this with him and to get a goal on my debut while he was there is even better.”
Watch Emmaisa’s interview in full on iFollow Barnsley.
