Sony Norde lost his house following an earthquake in Haiti last year, the same year he moved to Bangladesh Premier League club Sheikh Russell from Mexico’s second division club Estudiantes de Altamira. His family was struggling, but the former Boca Juniors academy product was splendid in his debut season and helped Russell win a historic treble with his dribbling skills and ability to find the back of the net.
The 24-year-old Haitian international forward was wanted by many clubs around the world following his performance where he netted six times in the league and played key role in Russell’s Federation and Independence Cup triumph. He was invited for trials in European lower division clubs and even an Indian Premier League club was interested in him but Sony decided to stay in the Bangladesh Premier League for another season. However, he has switched teams and will be representing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club for a record fee of Tk6m.
Sony spoke the Dhaka Tribune after yesterday’s training session for today’s closed-door practice match involving the Bangladesh national side. The star explained why he chose to stay on in the BPL. “I didn’t go there (Europe) because I have an agent there who said that they onlyoffered me a trial. There was no secure place for me.At the same time, Sheikh Jamal offered me more wages and I decided to stay.
“Since I arrived in Bangladesh, I’ve made good friends, I know the people and their culture and I understand Bangladesh football more,” said Sony, through coach Afusi, who was playing the part of translator.
Sony is also looking at the BPL as a stepping stone. “There is a possibility that I can move to Europe. Last season was good. If I can perform better than the last season, then I will have more offers. European clubs offered me trials because of last season’s performance. So this season I want to work hard to perform better than last season and I can get more offers.”
After the end of the season 2012-13, Sony was out of the country for three months. During the time, he was with the Haitian national team and played six matches - four of them were against four clubs of the Canadian premier division clubs and two against MLS clubs. Sonysaid he started six matches and scored three goals. “The national team coach was happy with my performance and invited me to play in theFifa friendly match against Korea next month.”
Asked why he changed sides, Sony replied, “Jamal offered me double the money. That’s life.” Will that mean he’ll be under more pressure this season? “I play football with my heart. I don’t take any pressure. I play like I always play and enjoy the game,” he said nonchalantly.
Sheikh Jamal head coach Joseph Afusi was full of praise for his new recruit. “By the standard of Bangladesh league, he is exceptional. He is a quality player who understands football, knows football. He is not playing because he wants to play. He plays football because he enjoys and loves football. There is difference between ‘I want to play’ and ‘I enjoy the play’, and he’s the second type.” said the Nigerian coach.
“I don’t set target for the players. My expectation from him is to help the team,” he added.
