Posted by

Mat Rooney ,

December 16, 2016 Email Mat Rooney Twitter @rooney_matthew

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RedNation Interview Series: Manjrekar James

Manjrekar James, of Vasas SC, is one of the top young Canadians soccer players in the world right now. At just 23, he's carved out a regular spot with the men's national team (earning 9 caps since 2015) and has been earning fairly regular minutes in a European top flight (Hungary's OTP Bank Liga) since 2014.



A North York Hearts-Azzuri youth soccer club player and a graduate from Sigma Academy, James went pro with Pécsi in 2014 before moving on to Diósgyőri and now top-ranked Vasas.



We recently spoke to James about how he ended up in Hungary, Sigma, his roles with club and country and the future of Canadian soccer.



RedNation Online: What lead you to join Pecs' system back in 2012?



Manjrekar James: I began trialing at different clubs in Europe, including Mallorca in Spain and Germany where I spent quite some time. It didn't end up working out. Then the opportunity came in Hungary. It went really well and I saw people who believed in me. I knew it was a more difficult path but I wanted to make it work so I stayed there.



RNO: Prior to joining Pecs' system, you were with Sigma. How do the two compare?



Manjrekar James: For me nowhere can compare to Sigma. I came in and they focused on everyone to make them better and it shows. Look at how many of us have been successful coming from there and are playing pro and with the national team. They helped me with my technique and showed me a different way to play passing football, positioning and all that I didn't think was important. I thank them, Coach Bobby, Phil, and John.



RNO: What was it like to start in San Pedro Sula and how did it feel to score?



Manjrekar James: It felt very good to start. I was feeling confident and I had a lot of energy that day. I knew we had to give it our all because we had a great chance on going to the next round. When I scored it was such a great feeling to score my first goal in one of the most important matches and to put the team ahead. I was filled with emotion and so were my teammates. I was quite happy.



RNO: Your first competitive match with the senior national team was played against the country of your birth. Did that feel at all odd?



Manjrekar James: Just a bit. Before the trip to Dominica, I would get messages calling me a traitor, but that didn't get to me. When I got down there I was more excited than anything to play in front of my family in Dominica that has never seen me kick a soccer ball to now seeing me play against them in a qualification match. It was amazing I loved every minute of it.



RNO: Would you like to play at the club level in Canada?



Manjrekar James: Of course, why not? When the time is right, with the right club, coaches and teammates I would not have a problem playing in MLS.



RNO: Vasas are currently at the top of the table and you've largely been a sub. Are you anxious to get more minutes or are you excited and learning a great deal in your current role?



Manjrekar James: It was tough with injuries in preseason and always being away with the national team. I was brought in to be a big contributor on the squad but haven't been able to get going with all the interruptions. It's frustrating for sure, but I just keep working, fighting and being positive to get back in the lineup and help my team win.



RNO: What's it like playing in Hungary?



Manjrekar James: Hungary is a great place to play. The level of the football is good and even better this year because anyone can come out with a win. There is no underestimating any team.



RNO: 2016 has seen you become a regular game day member of the men's national team. What do you think has been the biggest factor in you reaching that level?



Manjrekar James: A big thank you to coach Benito who believed in me a lot, constantly supporting me. He was so important for me not only with all the little details he taught me but also by getting me to believe more in myself, in my abilities and my potential. I owe him quite a bit.



RNO: In your opinion what is key to Canada's future success on the world stage?



Manjrekar James: This is a very difficult question. First, it has to be the education of young players to ensure they are developing in very good environments back home. Then I think it's an opportunity to play at the pro level which is not very easy when we don't have our own league and MLS treats Canadians as foreigners. We need more of our guys being important match winners at their clubs. This is what I think makes for a good national team.



You can follow James on Twitter at @ManjrekarJames.