Omari Mrisho says he is relishing the opportunity to get started at Gander Green Lane, admitting he is excited by both the club’s current direction and the chance to test himself in senior football.
The young wing-back, who is comfortable in both attacking and defensive scenarios, made the switch from Huddersfield Town on loan until January having risen through the Terriers youth setup across the last few years.
After taking part in his first training session ahead of the trip to Solihull Moors on Sunday, Mrisho enjoyed a tour of his new, temporary home whilst fulfilling media duties, before sitting down to talk to Sutton United FCtv about what he expects from making the jump out of youth football for the first time, and sharing his first impressions of joining Sutton and the environment he is stepping into.
“Yeah, it feels very good. Obviously looking forward to getting going.”
“It’s exciting, obviously, Agi has come in, he’s taken over and the club are in a good place right now, so I’m hoping to just build on that and help them out.”
The young defender arrives on loan from Huddersfield Town, having previously spent time at Brighton & Hove Albion during his formative years. Reflecting on his journey through the academy system so far, Mrisho outlined how his role on the pitch has evolved, along with how excited he is to reunite with Chris Agutter, whom he first linked up with at the AMEX Stadium.
“I was at Brighton when I was younger. I was playing there as an attacker and then I moved up north to Huddersfield. This was when I was 16 and I’ve been playing there as a full-back ever since, I think playing as an attacker as a younger helped me out just because obviously I’ve kept them attacking mindsets and it’s helped me transform.”
“I think it will help me greatly just because obviously it’s Agi, it’s a familiar face. So, already coming in I feel more comfortable and that will just allow me to go out there and play knowing that I’ve got the trust with the management and just a good support system.”
Having operated primarily as a wing-back during his time in Huddersfield’s academy, the 20-year old was keen to describe the qualities he brings to Sutton’s squad, claiming he looks up to the likes of Kyle Walker and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but in all likes to take bits and pieces from the best full backs all over.
In addition, having developed at two well-regarded academies in Brighton and Huddersfield, he said he feels the lessons learned there will stand him in good stead at senior level.
“I’d say I’m a very explosive player. I like getting forward.”
“My strongest attribute is probably my pace, so, yeah, I just like joining in the attack, but then also on the flip side, I can use that defensively. I’ve got decent strength as well, so I don’t shy from 1v1 battles.”
“No matter what’s going on, as long as I apply myself and work hard, I think at the end of the day, it always just works out, so I think that’s the main thing I’ve taken [from his time in the academy].”
A notable highlight of Mrisho’s short career so far came earlier this term, with the opportunity to already taste first team football when he made his debut in a Vertu Trophy clash with Harrogate Town, an occasion he recalls fondly, along with nearly topping it off with a cracking maiden goal for the Terriers.
“I definitely have a lot of positive memories coming on against Harrogate.”
“I remember initially I was feeling a bit nervous, but as I got into the game, I settled into it a bit. I started getting into my groove. I think it was a decent game, obviously, I had some great players around me who supported me, but overall, I enjoyed the experience.”
“The ball was just falling to me in the edge of the box, and to be honest, if it was an Under-21s game, I don’t even think I would have shot that. But I thought, I’m in the moment, let’s go for it, and it almost turned out to be an amazing chance.”
Looking forward, his loan spell at Sutton will mark Mrisho’s first experience in a senior football environment on a regular basis, and he is fully aware of the step up it represents, but the opportunity to prove himself at senior level is a major motivator for the young wing-back, who said is determined to make the most of his time in South London.
“It [senior football] is definitely going to be a lot faster, and the football I’ve played and what I’m used to.”
“As well as that, the physicality is going to go up, obviously playing against grown men, but it’s definitely a challenge that I’m looking forward to. I think I’m coming into this knowing I’m feeling very confident, very prepared, so just hoping I can make an impact.”
“I’m looking to coming here, you know, making a name for myself, building a profile and just show people what I can do.”
“I want to help the team in terms of climbing the table definitely in terms of stats, I’m hoping for at least 10 to 15 goals or assists and just becoming a core player in the team.”
