New Columbus Crew SC addition Kekuta Manneh got his first exposure to the Columbus media conglomerate before Crew SC’s match against Orlando City SC on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium.
The forward, acquired in a trade with Vancouver on March 30, communicated his excitement and that he's looking forward to his future with the Black & Gold.
“Columbus is a team that I have admired from afar,” Manneh said. “They score lots of goals every single game. I watch their games and its always a thriller. For me as an attacking player its always exciting coming to a club that plays attacking football and they score a lot of goals and create a lot of chances. I want to be a part of that.”
Even though Manneh will not be active for the afternoon match against Orlando, he is excited about the thought of meeting the Crew SC supporters.
“Really, really looking forward to meeting them,” Manneh said. “I’ve heard some really good stuff from Wil (Trapp) and other players that have played here and I can’t wait to experience it myself.”
It was revealed at Manneh’s introduction that he will wear 19 in his eventual debut as a member of Crew SC. Rodrigo Saravia, who recently held the number, is on a season-long loan.
The United States citizen from Gambia says that he is ready for a fresh start in Columbus.
“I think all players need that every once in a while.” Manneh said. “I think there’s no better place to go than here in Columbus. Like I said, I’ve watched them play from afar and now that I’ve met them, I can’t wait to get started with the boys and get going.”
While his future role with Crew SC has not been defined yet, it appears as if Manneh will begin to participate as a member of the Black & Gold next week.
“[Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter and I] haven’t talked about that yet,” Manneh said. “I’m just excited that we’ve wrapped this whole thing up and I’m here and I can’t wait to get started with them next week and see where we go from there.”
