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Malta U-21 experience helped me a lot, says Mbong

Published: 30-01-2017 15:35
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A new experience beckons for Joseph Mbong as the young Hibernians winger travelled to Croatia today to finalise his loan switch to NK Inter Zapresic. Mbong, a key member of the Malta Under-21 squad that garnered 11 points in the last UEFA U-21 Championship qualifying campaign, is due to join NK Inter Zapresic on loan until the end of the season after the Croatian top-tier club agreed terms with Hibernians.“Hibernians FC announce that Joseph Mbong is being loaned to Croatian club Zapresic until the end of the championship,” the BOV Premier League club announced on their Facebook page on Sunday evening. “The president and Executive Committee wish Joseph Mbong success in this new adventure outside Maltese shores.”Speaking to www.mfa.com.mt, Mbong said: “I was made aware of NK Zapresic’s interest a couple of weeks ago. “They wanted me to join them on an initial loan deal until the end of the season and I accepted as I wish to test myself in a foreign league.” Mbong, 19, has come through the youth ranks of Hibernians and has represented Malta at U-17, U-19 and U-21 level after being granted Maltese citizenship in 2014. The son of former Hibernians stalwart Essien Mbong, who passed away in 2013, Joseph Mbong acknowledged that the experience of playing for Malta at youth level, especially his involvement with the U-21 team over the past two years, has stood him in good stead. “It has helped me a lot,” Mbong said of his experience with the Malta U-21s, under the guidance of coach Silvio Vella. “Being part of the Malta U-21 team has enriched my experience as we played in other countries and faced some really strong, top-level players. “These things help you to improve. Besides, I was also one of the younger players in the squad in the last competition and that was another plus for me.” NK Inter Zapresic, sixth in the Croatian top division with 20 points from 20 games, have an option to make Mbong’s move permanent but the 19-year-old is not looking too far ahead. “My aim is to learn as much as I can and experience the demands of playing at a higher level,” Mbong said.“I want to improve as a player and make the most of this experience.” Mbong and his Malta U-21 team-mates have been nominated by the Malta Football Association for the team of the year award at the SportMalta Awards L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali while coach Silvio Vella is a candidate for the coach accolade.