Category: Uncategorized

That’s What They Call a Perfect Saturday…

The best part about someone’s ‘perfect Saturday’, is that everyone’s is different. Everyone has their own version of perfection. It’s subjective. However, with that in mind, this is the perfect Saturday.

Waking up, comfy, in your bed, knowing that you decide what you do today, is essential. After a full week in work, a Saturday morning requires a special breakfast. A full English fry-up gives you all the energy you need to have a successful weekend. Sausages, hash browns, bacon, toast, the works. Food, surprisingly, plays a bit part in achieving my perfect Saturday. Alongside our breakfast we’re going to need a homemade smoothie. Now, you can mix and match your fruits but for this particular day, we’re going to go with, mango, orange and banana. Stunning.

Once breakfast is out of the way, it’s time to get active. Now there are a lot of options here. We could go for a run, we could go for a hike, but if we’re talking perfection, then football has to be involved. Whether it be a game or a simple kick-about at the park, some early morning football will always be a yes from me.

We’ll take it easy after that. Time to head home, take a shower and get into something a bit more relaxing. If I’m lucky, the early morning football on BT Sport will be a good game and one to actually look forward to. It wouldn’t be a perfect Saturday without some midday sports. It would definitely be nice weather outside, so, once the game has finished, I feel like I would need to sit outside in the garden and read my book in the sun. If you’re not relaxing on your Saturday, you aren’t doing it right. At least not all day.

The time is about three, maybe four o’clock at this point and now we’re ready to get out the house and do something. I’d pick my girlfriend up from her house and take her for a nice drive or walk along the beach and grab a classic ice cream van 99, with the flake, of course. At this point, the weather would be looking its best and that means a quick trip to the pub for a well-deserved pint. I think it’s always a win if we can make a quick stop at a plant shop or garden centre and pick up a nice new bit of greenery for the house.

After heading home and dressing into something a little more formal, or at least something more formal than my classic shorts and t-shirt combination, we would head out for a meal at one of my favourite restaurants. It would more than likely be something Italian. The Italians just get me, that’s for sure. The smell of a good Bolognese or the crunch of a well-done pizza crust. That’s the way to do it! I feel like a nice way to round of an afternoon like that would be something classic, like mini-golf or bowling, something you’d alm0st consider wholesome.

At this point, the day is almost done. The sun begins to set, light begins to fade and the day feels like it’s coming to an end. However, this is a perfect Saturday and that means it’s a big fight night. I’m a huge fan of mixed martial arts and the UFC and so, I would get all my friends round for a busy night of top quality combat sports.

A perfect Saturday is perfect because it’s everything you want it to be. There’s no stress, there’s no worries, it’s exactly as it should be. Mine involves; good food, great company and usually, a lot of sport. That’s what they call a perfect Saturday…

Ben Evans

“It feels much more special than anything I’ve ever won”, Paralympian, Paul Karabaradak, Reflects on his 2021

Paul Karabaradak in Tokyo.

At the fourth time of trying, 36-year-old, Paul Karabaradak finally picked up his first medals at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and reflecting on the year he’s had, believes it’s his most “special” as a professional sportsman. 

The Swansea-born para table tennis player suffered a massive stroke at the age of 10 and since then got a real passion for his sport after playing in his local youth club.

He went on to represent his country at a number of events, that have taken him across the world. However, it was the medals he won last summer in Tokyo that have meant the most to him.

“It was a big relief. It was fantastic. I’d worked towards it for such a long time, and you start to think it will never happen. I mean, I’d been to three Paralympics and I’d always wanted to win a medal so to have all my years of hard work and sacrifice pay off was fantastic.”

Although the experience of being in Tokyo was “a bit strange” to Karabardak, whilst we are all in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not take away from what he achieved whilst out there.

When comparing the medals that he has won throughout his career, his bronze and silver medals from the games will always mean the most to him.

“The Paralympics is the pinnacle. I’ve won a lot of great medals; World Championships, European Championships, I’ve won a lot of opens that have been special medals in themselves but to win medals in the games is extra special and I think it’s ultimately, it feels much more special than anything I’ve ever won.”

Paul won the bronze medal in the men’s class 6 singles and a silver in the class 6-7 team event, alongside his teammate, Will Bayley. Bayley being a six-time Paralympic medal winner.

Speaking about his teammate, Karabaradak was full of praise: “It was fantastic to play with Will. He’s one of the best in the world and he’s won a lot. He’s a big name in the sport and we’re really good friends as well, so, to play with him is a huge honour. It was really special.”

Looking ahead to the future, the Welshman isn’t slowing down yet.

“This year, I’m just training hard because I think there’s still a while before my first competition so I want to do well in them but the big one this year is the World Championships in Spain.

“Obviously, I want to try and win a medal there, in singles and doubles. I think the future holds; training hard, gaining more Olympic success, working hard and most importantly, enjoying what I do, and the sport that I love.”

The Story of how Welsh-Woman, Storm Trentham, Helped Bring Lacrosse to Kenya

Storm Trentham and two of the Kenyan girls.

Former Welsh lacrosse player, Storm Trentham, achieved a lot in her playing and coaching career in Wales, but the story of how she helped bring the sport to Kenya is nothing short of life changing.

After a successful playing and coaching career in both Wales and briefly in Australia, Trentham had decided she wanted a new challenge. A challenge that led her to Africa.

In 2007, she volunteered for a sports charity in Kenya and every trip to the country, highlighted the fact that the boys had plenty of sports to play, whilst the girls did not.

The Kenya lacrosse team.

What began as just taking some lacrosse equipment out there whenever she got the chance, turned into so much more. “I never intended for it to turn into an international setup, it really was just to give the girls something to get involved in”, said Trentham.

“I was still heavily involved with Wales [lacrosse] during these early years so, there was no way I could get involved with two international programmes. It was the 2015 World Cup that changed my thoughts to get it from a recreational sport to making history”.

After years of hard work, over 400 young women have now signed up and are playing lacrosse regularly within Kenya. Not only that but in 2019, Storm and the girls made history when they travelled to the Under 19s World Championships in Canada to compete.  

Speaking on the experience in Canada, she said: “Every day was a first for the girls. From using washing machines to toasters, for some going into a big shopping mall and all sorts. So many things we take for granted in the western world, yet for our girls, it was fascinating.

“Once we got to the World Champs venue, the girls were more than celebrities.  Everyone wanted to meet them, have photos. Even the likes of the USA and Canada, who were the big guns of the event.

“It was pretty special, and the players deserved every bit of it.  What I really loved was that they weren’t just the all-singing, all-dancing Kenya team.  When they got on the pitch, and particularly when we narrowly lost to Germany by 1 goal, who finished top 8, that result really made people think ‘wow Kenya are here to play too!’. I was proud of how they conducted themselves in an alien environment and situation.”

The Kenyan team competing in Canada.

After what was a life-changing experience in Canada, the girls are now aiming to compete at the next World Championships in 2022, which will take place in Shamrock, Ireland.

Storm’s work has saved the lives of so many young girls. Girls whose lives now revolve around the sport, and this can be seen from the pride that each and every one of them radiate.

From Wales to Kenya, she cannot say enough nice words about her experiences. “I’d take being in Kenya, in our slums, with these kids over any 5* holiday, I’d rather give a child a year of school fees than receive birthday presents, etc, it just changes your mindset as to what is important in life.

“It makes you realise that so many people need support, and not in a huge way, but we can really change lives, without really having to change ours.

“The kids of Kenya have impacted my life more than I have impacted theirs and I’m truly grateful for each and every one of these players in my life.”

“Mentally, I’m a lot stronger than I was”, says Welsh gymnast, Holly Jones

Holly Jones in 2018. Taken from WelshGymnastics.org.

Welsh gymnast, Holly Jones, believes she is physically and mentally stronger, heading into her second Commonwealth Games, stating that she is more prepared for this year’s games in Birmingham.

Jones, who is studying sports science at Swansea University, is currently preparing to represent Wales in her second Commonwealth Games, after narrowly missing out on a podium finish in 2018.

The Swansea-based gymnast travelled to the Australia games not knowing what to expect, but states, “it was one of the best experiences of my life”.

“I just loved every bit about the games, it was such a surreal feeling competing at such a big event and seeing famous athletes in the village.

“It was definitely the biggest competition I’ve done and after working so hard to get there, it was one of the best feelings knowing that all my hard work paid off.”

Four years on, 20-year-old, Jones, is relishing the prospect of competing in the UK.

“In Australia, only my coaches and parents went out to watch me compete, so in these games, it’ll be nice for my family and friends to come and support me!”

Almost four years older than she was when she made the trip Down Under, Jones is feeling stronger, both in body and in mind.

“I think physically I’ve definitely improved in my gymnastics, but I’d say especially mentally I’m a lot stronger than I was.

“Last games, I was only 17 and just turned a senior, so I didn’t have a lot of international experience. I went into those games just to enjoy and take in the experience.

“I know I will definitely be carrying that experience with me now.”

Jones has said that she was inspired by the Welsh team that won bronze in the 2014 games in Glasgow, believing if they can do it, so can she.

Speaking on her team in Swansea, she praised the support and facilities on offer to her, stating, “they’ve given me a great support system and have backed me 100%”.

The Welsh gymnast will be full of confidence heading in 2022 after recently regaining her British vault title and picking up a silver medal at the Northern Europeans in November.

Fans of the sport will be excited to watch Holly compete in Birmingham later this year, and with her expressing a desire to pursue gymnastics, the sport that she loves, for years to come, a podium finish would certainly be the cherry on the top of a great start to her career.

Could we see Hasbulla Fight in the UFC?

Hasbulla Magomedov and Abdu Rozik squaring off. Credit: LAD Bible.

A story we never thought we would be seeing. After gaining millions of followers across all of his social media platforms and having a meeting with Dana White in Abu Dhabi, could we seriously see Hasbulla fight in the UFC?

Hasbulla Magomedov rose to fame this year after he was nicknamed the “Mini Khabib”. At UFC 267, the Dagestani, was given a front row seat in Abu Dhabi where he was supporting his friend, Islam Makhachev, who picked up his ninth win in a row against Dan Hooker.

UFC president, Dana White was asked about him and what exactly he was doing there, to which White replied, “I don’t know if he’s going to be fight but we’re definitely going to be doing something with him”.

This reply has left fans questioning what the purpose of their meeting was, with many supporters of the sport speculating that we could see a one-off fight take place between Hasbulla and his nemesis, Abdu Rozik.

The two both went viral after their ‘pre-fight press conference’ video showed the two trash talking and brawling back in May of this year.

Since then the two have regularly gone back and forth online with rumours of a fight in mixed martial arts apparently in the works, but no plans have yet been announced officially. As well as this, Abdu confronted Hasbulla at UFC 267 on Saturday night with the both having to be held back.

Since then, Asxab Tamaev, an MMA fighter who works with Hasbulla has claimed that Dana White is ready to help settle this fight inside the Octagon. Tamaev has posted, what he is claiming to be a DM from White who says, “can we do it somehow?”.

Image: Instagram.

Some fans of the sport have suggested that it would morbid to watch the two fight under official MMA rules, with both of them around three feet and three inches tall, however, there are still many asking for the UFC to get it done.

At this moment in time, it feels unlikely that we will see Hasbulla and Abdu settle their differences inside the octagon, but if you’re willing to believe the rumours then don’t cancel the idea out entiely. We still aren’t sure what went on between the Dana and the Russian in their meeting so expect some sort of news soon.

Five Fighters to Watch from the Cage Warriors Academy Wales

Welsh MMA has grown significantly over the past few years, with several fighters representing the country in MMA’s leading promotion – the UFC. However, almost every one of those fighters made their names in UK-based promotion, Cage Warriors.

After the success of the Cage Warriors Academy Welsh event in Ebbw Vale on Saturday afternoon, here are five fighters that you should watch as they rise through the ranks in their aspirations of MMA glory.

Befan Hall:

Befan Hall. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Starting things off, we have 16-year-old, Befan Hall. Still so young, Befan is certainly someone to keep your eye on. Still only an amateur but progressing with help from Shore MMA gym, the home of UFC bantamweight, Jack Shore, he kept his perfect record intact after beating Cory Bethall in the first fight of the day.

The fight started with Hall immediately pushing for the takedown and getting some effective ground and pound work in early. In the second round he found the finish after yet another terrific takedown and what can only be described as experienced grappling. The heavy punches on the floor were too much for Bethall who saw the referee wave it off with Hall the victor.

It wasn’t just the method of victory that highlights Befan as someone to keep an eye but his grappling and especially his takedowns. Aspirations of reaching UFC gold, keep your eyes on his rise.

Ioan Thomas

Ioan Thomas. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Someone who seemed to be a somewhat fan-favourite on the night was 15-year-old Ioan Thomas. Walking out and receiving thunderous applause, Thomas, who also fights out of Shore MMA, picked up his win inside the cage and did it in impressive style.

His fight began with some heavy pressure from his opponent, Callum Davies, but despite this, Ioan secured the takedown and almost got the job done early with his ground strikes. In the second, he continued to maximise his takedowns and his wrestling and just as he did in the first, almost had the fight stopped with some vicious ground strikes getting through.

It wasn’t until the third and final round that his wrestling proved too good for his opponent and after beating his opponent up for three solid rounds, the ref stopped the fight and the crowd exploded. It became clear after Ioan’s fight that Shore MMA were going to have an impressive night and the levels of wrestling and jiu-jitsu were going to prove too much for most.

Still so young, it’ll be worth seeing how far the Welsh fighter can go.

James Wamsley

James Wamsley. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

A strong contender for finish of the night was 22-year-old James Wamsley. Fighting out of LD Fighters in Exeter, he came into his fight with another perfect record. Wamsley took on Lewis Williams and their scrap did not disappoint. Both guys came out and secured takedowns early.

On the feet, the two traded heavy blows back and forth with both landing, but just 56 seconds into the fight, it was James who landed the knockout blow which sent Williams down to the canvas. A devastating right hook, followed by a McGregor-style strut made this fight/finish a real spectacle for all in attendance.

“As far as that tragic walk off is concerned, I had no idea how to react and apparently that’s what came naturally to me.”

Wamsley remains still new to the sport, having only trained for just over a year and just two fights under his belt but the ferocity and the power is certainly something to keep your eyes on.

Josh Archer

James Archer. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales.

Those in attendance on Saturday were treated to numerous first round finishes and the fourth of the night came from Torquay-based, Josh Archer. Fighting out of Lions Den gym and Fightworx MMA, his fight began with Archer getting his opponent, Elis Westacott (fighting out of Shore MMA), down with a right hand that knocked him off balance.

After some ground strikes and a first submission attempt, Westacott was forced to tap after the second attempt. A rear naked choke which showcased Archer’s impressive work on the ground in his MMA debut.

“I love everything about MMA. The training, the nerves before a fight and the thrill of winning”.

With two Thai Boxing fights also under his wing, his range of martial arts, highlight him as a real prospect and still only 24, the English fighter is becoming a real prospect.

Kenzie Jones

Kenzie Jones. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Finally, we have 20-year-old Kenzie Jones. Yet another Shore MMA fighter and yet another amazing show of grappling and jiu-jitsu. A current record of 4-0 and a career trajectory that can only go up, Jones picked up another impressive finish to his MMA resumé.

The Welshman began his fight with Kirk Heely, with a big head kick and got the takedown in the early stages. Jones brutally dropped Heely on to his head and after some more quality grappling, he got the submission just a minute and half into the fight. A d’arce choke submission and another win for Team Shore.

Another young fighter with dreams of competing in the UFC, the featherweight amateur will continue to work towards his goals and is someone I advise you keep up to date with.

Ngannou vs. Gane Scheduled for UFC 270 on January 22nd

The UFC has historically begun each new year with a crazy fight card to get fans pumped, and that isn’t going to be changing in 2022. Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane will get their chance to unify the UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 270 according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Ngannou won the belt in March of this year when we brutally KO’d Stipe Miocic in their rematch at UFC 260. Since then, the Cameroonian has made it clear that he is ready for his first title defense towards the backend of the year. However, things did not pan out that way.

Towards the end of July, it was announced that Derrick Lewis would meet Ciryl Gane and fight for the interim heavyweight belt at UFC 265. The fight was a shock to the MMA community, with Ngannou himself describing it as a “slap in the face’”. Despite this, the fight went ahead and Gane came out on top, finishing Lewis in the third round.

After the events of UFC 265, it is now being announced by Brett Okamoto that the former training partners, Ngannou and Gane will be given the chance to unify the belts at UFC 270 in January of 2022.

The two fighters began their training at the MMA Factory in France, under the same coach, Fernand Lopez. It has been a few years since the Predator has trained in France but the two will certainly be used to facing off with one another.

If reports are also to be believed, we could also be seeing Israel Adesanya defend his middleweight belt in a rematch against Robert Whittaker. This could be the first time we have seen Adesanya fight on the same card as Ngannou and would make for a spectacular start for the UFC in 2022.

Which Side Will Prevail in this Year’s Championship Play-Offs?

After the 2020/21 Championship campaign was wrapped up on Saturday, all focus will now be on the four sides who will battle it out for promotion in the play-offs at Wembley.

Brentford:

The Bees missed out on automatic promotion yet again, finishing just four points off Watford in second. Another impressive season for all at Brentford, especially for top scorer, Ivan Toney, who finished on 31 goals, making him the record goal scorer in a single Championship season.

There is no doubt that several clubs, especially those in the Premier League will have their eyes on a transfer for Toney, but he will certainly be focusing on getting his current side into the topflight for the first time.

Brentford outscored the rest of the league this season, scoring 79 goals and finished on the second highest goal difference, behind champions Norwich.

Their goal threat is clear but the same can’t be said for their defence after conceding 42 goals throughout the campaign.

Manager, Thomas Frank, who also led his side to a League Cup semi-final, will look to continue their 12-game unbeaten streak against Bournemouth in their two legs on the 17th and 22nd of May.

Swansea:

The Swans made up for just missing out on the play-offs in the previous year with a terrific fourth placed finish. The South Wales club finished on 80 points, with 23 wins and 56 goals scored.

Star-man, Andre Ayew, lived up to the title yet again, netting 16 times for his side, making him the club’s top scorer, with new signing, Jamal Lowe, close behind with 14.

Another player who stood out for Swansea this season was Wales full-back, Connor Roberts, who in his 48 appearances this season found the back of the net five times, also finding seven assists from right-back.

They remained towards the top end of the table throughout the duration of the season and will hope that they can get the better of Barnsley in their play-off semi-finals, despite just one win in their last five.

Their manager, Steve Cooper, said after their final day defeat to Watford:

“Going into these play-offs, we should fear nothing and go for it.”

In Swansea’s previous league games against Barnsley, they managed to get the best of them on both occasions, winning 2-0 home and away.

Barnsley:

Arguably the most surprising to reach the Championship play-offs this season is Barnsley. A draw against champions, Norwich and a defeat for Bournemouth against Stoke meant the Tykes finished in 5th position.

Their first time finishing in a Championship play-off place and rightly so. 23 wins, 58 goals scored and some big results in a difficult season for everyone this year.

Cauley Woodrow finished on 14 goals this season for Barnsley, making it another impressive season for the 26-year-old. Another man to make a statement since joining in February was Daryl Dike who initially joined on loan from MLS side, Orlando City.

“I really hope we can now get a big reward in the play-offs because, when you believe in something, you can achieve some great results”, said manager, Valerien Ismael, after his side’s final game.

Barnsley’s biggest weakness is their rocky defence who conceded a hefty 50 goals. The Tykes take on Swansea at Wembley on the 17th and 22nd also.

Bournemouth:

The side no one is shocked to see in a play-off place. Some may be shocked to see that the Cherries finished 6th and not higher but manager Jonathan Woodgate got the job done despite a difficult finish.

After Eddie Howe’s departure after their relegation from the Premier League, Bournemouth fans hoped for a quick return and after experiencing 13 loses in their return to the Championship, a play-off place should satisfy them.

The Cherries managed to keep a hold of most of their players despite relegation and they made the clear difference. Joint-top goal scorer, Dominic Solanke who netted 15 times, along with teammate, Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld.

There’s no doubting Bournemouth’s quality but after their final day loss to Stoke, a sixth placed finish means they will play high scoring Brentford at Wembley.

73 goals this season means we could be in for a memorable play-off semi-final. The league meetings this season saw Brentford do the double over Bournemouth, making them the favourites in this tie.

Which teams will make it into the final at Wembley and which side will win the star prize of Premier League football?

Why Michael Chandler is Destined to Become the UFC Lightweight Champion

Michael Chandler beats Dan Hooker at UFC257.

With his first shot at the UFC Lightweight title coming up on May 15th, against Charles ‘de Bronx’ Oliveira, this is why ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler will walk away with the UFC belt around his waist.

34-year-old Michael Chandler won his first world title at Bellator 58 against MMA veteran and former UFC champion, Eddie Alvarez in November of 2011. His record currently stands at 22 wins in 27 fights, finishing 17 of those wins.

With a natural wrestling style, wicked knockout power and an infectious personality, it’s clear why many people will be rooting for the newcomer to the UFC, “Iron Mike”, with his first title fight under his new employers, just a month away.

The Missouri born star fought for the USA’s second largest mixed martial arts promotion, Bellator, for 10 years, making his debut in September of 2010. Since then, Chandler has gone on to fight 22 times for the promotion and held the lightweight title with them on three different occasions.

Michael Chandler is the Bellator Lightweight Champion. Credit: MMA Junkie.

At 5 foot 8 inches, the lightweight has an unbelievable range to his fighting. His tricky takedown technique, along with his range of submissions and general striking, there’s no doubt that this guy has the ability to finish every opponent he faces.

Looking at the five losses he has on his résumé, both his first and second came via a split decision. However, the other three have all been classed as technical knockouts. So, it’s worth noting that although the nickname ‘iron’ is justified, Chandler does still have some holes to fill in.

It’s fair to say that, for a lightweight fighter, the now number four ranked UFC 155 pounder, has a wide shoulder physique and is heavily muscled but that by no means slows down his striking. You can see that from his 10 wins by KO, his speed, accompanied by his power, are what allow him to finish opponents with his fists.

After spending 10 years fighting for Bellator, fans began demanding that UFC President, Dana White, sign the experienced fighter for his promotion and in September 2020, that’s exactly what happened.

Michael Chandler signs with the UFC. Credit: Sky Sports.

Chandler left his promotion, coming off the back of a victory against former UFC Champion, Benson Henderson, and was now looking to add some bigger names to his hitlist.

After having to wait a while, ‘Iron Mike’ got his wish of fighting one of the top ranked lightweight fighters in his UFC debut, as he would be taking on Dan ‘Hangman’ Hooker at UFC257, alongside fellow lightweights, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.

The event took place on January 23rd with Chandler primed to make his debut as electric predicted. His fight with Hooker acted as the co-main event and it did not disappoint.

He came out the more aggressive and the faster fighter and kept Hooker moving for the opening half of the first round until he was able to connect with a swift left hook and put the ‘Hangman’ down and was then able to finish him with a flurry of ground strikes.

His debut put the rest of the lightweight division on notice and after his victory he called out as many of the top contenders as he could, including; McGregor, Poirier and, now retired, Khabib.

After beating the number six ranked Dan Hooker and after it being made clear that, the presumed challenger for the lightweight belt, Dustin Poirier, was more interested in a trilogy fight against McGregor, it has now been announced the Chandler has a chance to follow in Eddie Alvarez’s footsteps and become the Bellator and UFC Champion.

He will fight Charles Oliveira on May 15th at UFC262, as he challenges for lightweight gold.

Both fighters have a natural wrestling style but with Oliveira coming in as the higher ranked, taller and more experienced fighter, many will have him down as the favourite but after Chandler made it clear we would all see him “at the top” very soon, you can’t argue with his confidence.

Fighting in a sold-out stadium in Texas, and with some top quality fights on this card, the fight is sure to bring fireworks. Will we see ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler lift the UFC Lightweight Championship belt above his head on May 15th?

“See you at the top!”

Can Ben Cabango Secure his Wales Spot Against Czech Republic?

Ben Cabango for Wales. Credit: Swansea City.

Swansea City centre-back, Ben Cabango, 20, picked up his third cap for Wales in their well-fought 1-0 win against Mexico on Saturday evening. After having a brilliant season with Swansea in the Championship and now picking up starts in the red of Wales, has he cemented his place for the Euros squad?

Cabango started his career with Swansea and has only had one loan period away – one season with the JD Cymru Premier side, the New Saints. Since then he has gone on to make 48 appearances for the Swans and has been a pivotal part of Swansea sitting third in the Championship, just six points off second.

The defender has made appearances in Wales’ under 17s, 19s and 21s and now finds himself getting regular call-ups to the senior squad and on the eve of the countries European Championship campaign in the summer, it’s clear why many people want to see Cabango in the starting eleven.

With Swansea pushing for automatic promotion and having one of their best league starts for a few years, the Cardiff-born Swan has netted for his side four times this season and has also picked up an assist.

He’s got 18 clean sheets this season across all competitions and helped his country get an impressive 1-0 win against a strong Mexican side on Saturday.

It was his first full-90 for Wales and he certainly impressed interim-manager, Robert Page. At the heart of the defence, he was able to keep Mexico starlet, Hirving Lozano, at bay and keep he and rest of the Mexican side from finding the back of the net.

After his commanding performance on Saturday, has Cabango stirred the pot and properly thrown his name into the hat for a starting spot at the Euros this summer?

Last summer, when we all thought the Euros would be played, many would’ve predicted a back three of Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon but now we can expect to see more and more of Cabango.

He can work well in a back four and a back five. Whether he’s partnered with former Swans teammate Rodon or any of the other Welsh defenders, it’s clear he’s able to take advantage of his opportunities.

Wales take on Czech Republic in their World Cup Qualifying campaign on Tuesday with Rob Page’s side hoping to bounce back from their opening 3-1 defeat loss to Belgium.

It’s unlikely Cabango will start after playing the entire match against Mexico but an appearance off the bench would be interesting to see.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started