Interview with academy product after debut goal
Eighteen-year-old striker Toyosi Olusanya reflected on his rapid rise through the ranks after marking his first-team debut with a goal from the penalty spot.
with the Dons academy product is now on our official You Tube channel.interviewAn
Toyosi, who was discovered playing at Tooting-based 10 Coaching last year and had never previously been involved with academy football, signed a professional contract in February after playing a big part in the club’s FA Youth Cup run.
“This time last year I was playing college football at Tooting & Mitcham,” said Toyosi. “At the beginning of the season I was on the bench for the Under-18s, then I got my first start. The Woking game in the FA Youth Cup was a big one for me. I felt that I did well and then I made my Under-21s debut and scored in the London Cup. I’ve been flying since and it’s been a good season for me.
“I owe a lot to Mark Robinson (Under-18s manager). Without him I would not be here. He told me I had potential. In the Under-18s you can get away with a few things, but not in Under-21s football or at this level. I am just trying to bring the positive things that I do into the Under-21s.”
Toyosi had no hesitation in accepting Bayo Akinfenwa’s generous invitation to take the penalty on Saturday and he thanked him for providing support.
“It was the fastest I had even said ‘yes’ to anything! Bayo is always helping me in training. He is always wanting me to do my best. I was included in the 11 v 11 in training and I’m not usually involved. Then the manager told me I was going to be on the bench. I was buzzing, but a little bit nervy when I came on and that showed with my first touch. When I was told to put on the shirt I knew it was my time. I just wanted to get on and play, that was good enough for me.”
Picture credit: Stuart Butcher, Pro Sports Images.