Sporting Kansas City announced on Friday that it has acquired defender Jalil Anibaba from expansion club Orlando City SC. Following the announcement, Anibaba spoke with local reporters about joining Kansas City and his thoughts on the coming season.
Thoughts on joining Sporting Kansas City...
I'm excited and definitely honored that a great club like Sporting Kansas City has brought me in. I'm really excited and looking forward to doing great things and helping the team. I'm looking forward to a great season in 2015.
On fitting into the team's style of play…
Kansas City's system and style of play is right in my alley. I like the fact that it's high-tempo. Any time I played against Kansas City, the team I was with at the time was never comfortable and the games are never comfortable for the opponents. That's intriguing to me and I think I can assist in that.
Position where he is most comfortable…
I think my natural position is in the center of the backline. But obviously, I have showed I can play all four positions across the backline. With that said, I think in the center is where I'm most suited.
Immediate reaction to going to Kansas City…
I was really excited. I'm always been curious of what it would like to play for Peter Vermes. I love his intensity. I love his drive and dedication. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I can definitely relate to that. I have similar qualities in my personality. Now, I'm just looking forward to getting to know the guys and earning respect throughout the club.
On if he's spoken to anyone on the team…
Ike [Opara] and I are close. As soon as I knew things were going down for sure, I gave him a call and we talked for a long time. He gave me the rundown of the club and after talking to him, I was even more excited, if that was even possible. Having a guy like that, that I know, is definitely going to help me transition to the club and the locker room more smoothly.
On if his prior friendship with Ike will help them push each other…
You got it. That's what this profession is all about. It's about competing in every single aspect on the training pitch, on the game pitch and even within the locker room. I think coming in and knowing someone like that and being able to learn from his experiences within the club will definitely be beneficial.
