The Cameroonian player who joined Keshla FC from Sheriff Tiraspol spoke about the reasons for quitting the Moldovan club, his objective in Keshla FC, and what he hopes to achieve in Azerbaijan. Abang who has earlier featured for clubs like New York Red Bulls, Hobro IK and Astra Giurgiu sealed a one-year deal with Azerbaijan Premier League club, Keshla.

Here is an excerpt of the interview:

Offsideplus: Four months ago you were in Baku to play against Qarabag. What was your impression about Azerbaijan after that game?

Anatole Abang: It was a good experience and months later I decided to come back to Azerbaijan to join Keshla. It is a new challenge and I am here to give my best to Keshla and help the team in the league.

Offsideplus: How did your contact and discussion with Keshla start?

Anatole Abang: I think Keshla contacted my manager and my manager told me about the proposal. I thought about the offer and I accepted it.

Offsideplus: what was your immediate response to the proposal to join Keshla FC?

Anatole Abang: I was happy because I know I have the quality to join a team like Keshla and I was willing to come over to Azerbaijan to play football. I know it is not the top, but I accepted the proposal and asked my manager to seal the deal. Although I saw that the team was at the bottom of the log, I was not worried about that.

Offsideplus: Why did you leave Sheriff Tiraspoll of Moldova to join Keshla?

Anatole Abang: From what I have observed, Keshla is a good team. I think they have a better condition, they gave me a good offer, they have a better plan for the future and good players. These things matter a lot.

Offsideplus: What are your objectives and what do you want to achieve with Keshla FC?

Anatole Abang: My objective is to lift the club back to the second or third position. And if possible, take the team to the top of the table and qualify for European competitions. I just want to help the team to get to the top at the end of the season.

Offsideplus: How do you really hope to adapt quickly to your new team and in the City, Baku.

Anatole Abang: I am happy because my wife and child will arrive soon and that will make me more focused on my career and job. Due to the pandemic, I cannot go around the city as much as I would have loved to. I have to work and stay at home while we wait for things to get better.

Offsideplus: You are aware that Keshla is seventh on the log and it is not a good position. Do you think it is the best time to join a new team?

Anatole Abang: I knew about the team’s situation before agreeing to join and I think it is the best time to join such a team because I want to help the team and make a name for myself. The club is currently seventh, but I want to take the team to at least the second position at the end of the season. However, this also depends on the quality of my teammates and the cooperation on the pitch. With their support, we can lift the club to the top. I know my capacity as a player and I know I can add value to the team. I believe I can become the best attacker in Azerbaijan because I have the qualities.

Offsideplus: Qarabag is currently the biggest team in Azerbaijan and you played against them in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round. Do you think Keshla can match up to Qarabag?

Anatole Abang: It is true that Qarabag is a big team, but for me, they are just a team.