It’s not every day that you get to meet Asian football star Keisuke Honda, but that’s just the opportunity young Nunawading City forward Emile Damey had while on trial at RCD Mallorca.
It may seem a vague connection that an Australian youngster of West Guinean descent trialling in Spain links up with a Japanese footballer playing in Italy, but that’s the beauty of world football.
It was an opportunity presented to Damey after catching the eyes of scouts following a blistering latter half of the 2015 NPL Victoria season, where he scored seven goals in 13 outings since joining Nunawading – an achievement made more impressive by club’s lowly status in the competition last year.
“A season highlights package was sent to the club and I was invited to trial in Spain – after few weeks of training I was scouted by the team from Honda Estiro, an agency owned by Keisuke Honda. They told me if Mallorca does not sign me they are interested to sign me with their own club in Austria, called SV Horn,” he said.
The youngster’s opportunity was cut short by an ankle injury that hampered his progress, but the silver lining was being able to meet Honda, while being told the club will continue to monitor the forward’s progress in Australia.
“Unfortunately during my trial with Mallorca I got an ankle injury and the injury was more severe than they thought so they had to let me go. That’s when Keisuke invited me to Japan to meet him and discuss about a possible move to Austria – I went to Austria in January for two weeks and played in the International Arena Cup, where I played one match and had several training sessions. But because of the injury I couldn’t continue.”
“I was advised that I had incredible speed and an amazing strength, but to return to Australian and treat my injury and wait for the summer European window for another opportunity.”
Since arriving in Australia in 2006 as a youngster, where he was based in Townsville, Damey has enjoyed a steady rise, with playing experience in Australia as well as Asia.
“I started playing football in the Streets in Guinea West Africa. Most times we played barefoot and we used rocks as goals,” he said.
“In 2013 I made a move to Brisbane as I saw no future in football in Townsville. I played for Western Pride in the NPL, where I scored nine goals in nine games.
“The following year I signed with Malaysia Premier League side DRB-Hicom FC through Tony Basha from Australasian Soccer Academy in 2014. In 2015 I signed in the Thai second division with Seeker FC.
“The conditions In Thailand were tough so I had to come back mid 2015, where I signed with Nunawanding City FC.
“My favourite moment came in a game against Box Hill United, I remember scoring a half-time equaliser as Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou came to watch the game, and I remember we had 70% possession which made the game really enjoyable.”
Damey credits the standard of Victorian football in helping his game on and off the pitch, with a number of opportunities arising since playing in the state, including securing a sponsorship with Be Dynamic Sports.
“Playing in Victoria has been amazing. The football here is a lot more competitive. Playing with Nunawading has opened my eyes to the broader side of football,” he said.
“I think coming here has really helped my development. It’s a tough process but I’m still scoring goals.
“It’s fantastic – we work a lot in tight spaces to help create awareness and I think it’s very important to have coaches like Greg and Tim Dakis that are capable of identifying a players weakness because that way you know what’s needed.
Damey takes with him the words of advice from Honda that continue to motivate him to keep improving.
“Meeting Keisuke was a dream come true. He’s a true professional and very hardworking man. He told me I had talents and that I must remember to always work hard,” he said.
“My future ambition is to continue to work hard for an opportunity here in Australia with A-League or look at heading back to Europe. For now I want to win some games with Nunawading City.”