Interview: Big Mac Kandji

By: Dave Martinez | December 30th, 2008

It is nearly the end of the year and I have two small goals in mind for this blog: put up a new years wrap up, and unload on some old articles and interviews I may have had pending.

Nearly 2 months ago, I interviewed the Red Bulls newest acquisition, Macoumba Kandji, in downtown Manhattan. I was never able to post this thing up, thanks to wordpress forcing me to re-transcribe the interview twice (thanks for crashing on me pals). In doing so, I found that most of the questions were kind of timeless, so it won’t read like a sports illustrated article from last year.

Anyhow, hurray for non current event questions.

For your near new years enjoyment, I give you, “Big Mac” Kandji:

This interview took place 2 weeks after Mac Kandji’s signing. We are sitting outside of the posh Argie hotspot, Novocento, taking in the nightlife of the big city:

DAVE: So here we are Mac! The big city! Lights, the people, the sites . . . how does it feel to move from Atlanta to the Capital of the World?

MAC: Oh man, it feels good, you know? I don’t know that many people here yet, but so far so good. And its definitely alot different from Atlanta, alot different. A lot of people man, walking by all the time, and the movement, the weather is a little colder. Definitely a lot different than Atlanta.

DAVE: Speaking of differences, how has the transition been for you thus far moving from USL to MLS?

MAC: The transition has been great, though alot of people thought it would be a little bit tough. The USL and the MLS is not that much different, you know? USL, of course, is a little more physical. MLS is alot, alot more technical. So coming in here with the style that I play, I think I fit in right away.

DAVE: Who has helped you the most getting adjusted to your new environment among your teammates?

MAC: You know, most of the guys have. The guys I sit next to, they all help me get adjusted to the team. Leitch and Roth, plus, I know Sainney Tourey, and Matt Mbuta – we stay in the same hotel you know? So I hang out with them, and its relaxing to be with them in the lockerroom.

DAVE: You must have been excited then with Mbuta’s goal?

MAC: Oh ya, we connected that day. He passed it to me, I give it to him back, he finished it, so we were all very excited for him. . . .

DAVE: Hey, and it was also your first MLS assist!

MAC: Ya definitely. I just have to get the first goal now.

DAVE: Well, let’s speak about your placement on the team. First, they featured you on the strike, then on the wing. Where would you prefer to be?

MAC: Uh, I prefer to play forward but I can play both positions. Whatever the coach wants to do, I’ll play there. But I do like playing forward better.

DAVE: And as a forward, do you like playing centrally, or more of a wing type attack style?

MAC: Ya, I prefer playing on the wingside, like a left forward, so I can cut in the right side. I can play on the right side too, because you can hit a ball from there. But the center, I like center. But I don’t like showing my back to the defender all the time, so I prefer the sides.

DAVE: Better perspective?

MAC: Ya definitely. You get a clear look at the ball and the defender.

DAVE: And the new Coach, Juan Carlos Osorio. How has it been playing for him thus far?

MAC: He’s been great. He is a world class coach, you know? And just watching from the drills he does, he is amazing. Everyday, everyday I am learning something new. So from what I have seen him doing, I am here to learn as much as I can, you know? The coach has been great.

DAVE: Now you are only on a temporary loan deal, where they will evaluate you for next year. What are you hoping happens?

MAC: I mean, I would like to play in the MLS, but if my luck is not here, I would have to move on, but either way, I would like to give the MLS a chance.

DAVE: Excellent. And how have the fans received you so far?

MAC: Oh man, the fans have been great man, the fans have been great.

DAVE: You know they were a big part of you being here with a strong internet clamor for your signing . . .

MAC: Yea yea yea ya, definitely. I didn’t see that, but my father saw it, and told me alot about it, you know? But they have been great so far. They have been showing me alot of love and I really appreciate that.

DAVE: Moving on, and in conclusion, let’s speak about international play. Accumulated any caps yet?

MAC: No, no not yet . . .

DAVE: Well, I guess that puts you up for grabs then!

MAC: Ya! Well, I am from Senegal originally, and they called me into the country, but I wasn’t able due to some paper issues as my papers are pending.

DAVE: But if you could, you would?

MAC: Well, ya, its still open. I mean, I would play for the US too . . . I could play for Gambia, Senegal or the US. Either way, I am just open for anything. Whatever international team talks to me, I would have to think about it and make the best of it.

*** At this point, a homeless fellow is walking down the street in front of this posh night spot where we are chatting, and begins singing to Mac. Once he is done with his song, he shuffles back into the crowd ***

DAVE: I think that was your official welcoming party into New York!

MAC: Ha. Thank you, thank you!

DAVE: Definitely a good introduction to the city.

MAC: Ha ha absolutely!

Big Mac is a valuable commodity for this team looking forward. Much like a young Altidore a few years back, Kandji exudes the kind of positivity and confidence necessary to make it to the next level. Hopefully, he will be a key part of the Red Bulls attack next season.