CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Ibra Sanoh is not done yet.
The reigning Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) player of the year is looking ahead to the next chapter of his soccer career, starting next week when he attends the Toronto FC combine.
The top prospects on the Toronto FC radar will be in Ontario for a three-day tryout from Tuesday to Thursday to showcase their skills in front of the Major League Soccer (MLS) club’s management and staff at its official practice facility.
“I’m feeling good,” Sanoh said. “It’s the first time I’ve had a big chance like this. Physically I’m ready to show what I’ve got but mentally it’s a mix of excitement and nervousness because it’s a chance to get closer to my dream.”
Sanoh, a striker from Conakry, Guinea, has played with the Holland College Hurricanes for the past four seasons where he has been named a CCAA player of the year in 2017, an all-Canadian in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and an all-star at nationals in 2015. He is a four time Atlantic conference player of the year and was named the Hurricanes male athlete of the year in 2015.
Sanoh has led the Hurricanes to four straight conference titles highlighted by a national bronze medal in 2017.
Hurricanes head coach Jonathan Vos said he is glad to see Sanoh receive this tryout.
“I’m pleased that Ibra is getting this opportunity. He is a special player with great qualities. It’s very exciting,” he said. “It is nice to see that the professional clubs are realizing that there are talented individuals playing collegiate soccer here in Canada.”
Albert Roche, the college’s director of athletics and recreation at Holland College, said the college is proud of Sanoh’s accomplishments.
“Since joining the Hurricanes program, Ibra has been the most outstanding soccer player in the Atlantic conference,” he said. “This invite is a testament to his commitment to excellence as a player, teammate and leader of our team.”
Sanoh credits the Hurricanes soccer program with helping him take his game to the next level.
“I’ve learnt how to become a team player and to listen to the coach and know what they want and expect from me,” he shared. “I’ve become a better player as well as a better person from my time at Holland College with the Hurricanes.”
In Sanoh’s mind, his expectations are clear for next week’s camp.
“I’m hoping to make one of their teams,” said Sanoh. “My goal is to leave there and have them remember who I am. I want them to have no choice but to have me on one of their teams.”
The combine hosted by Toronto FC is used to identify players to assign to their development teams as they search for the next group of stars to compete for a MLS Cup, which the club won for the first time ever in 2017.
What’s the future hold for Sanoh?
“Regardless of how next week turns out in Toronto I’m actively seeking professional opportunities around the world,” he shared. “Now is the time to continue to chase my dreams.”
