Kandji Talks Houston, Angel, and National Teams

By: Dave Martinez | May 15th, 2009

Big Mac Kandji, aka Mac 10, is starting to hit his stride. Acquired late in the 2008 season, the Bulls forward has had lofty expectations thrust upon his shoulders. This season, the stand out prospect has already drawn hefty praise from his teammates, and now, the league has shown some love too. He is the MLS player of the week.

“It feels good, you know, it feels very good,” said a beaming Kandji. ‘It’s going to boost my confidence, help me work harder and want it more.”

As we have touched on the past few weeks, the clear-cut chemistry between Kandji and Angel is something that Bulls fans are very excited about. And their combined threat was a major part of this weekends win. “(Juan Pablo Angel) is a veteran. I learn a lot from him, and we talk a lot,” he explained. “He told me that this is a partnership, and that we need to work hard for each other. Every time I get the ball, I put my eyes up and look for him. Every time he gets it, he does the same. And we are starting to connect a lot, so hopefully it is going to keep growing more and more.”

It is the kind of partnership Angel has been missing since Jozy Altidore left to Spain. Now, with a strong capable partner, and crossing threats in Pacheco and Johnson, the Red Bulls seem to have found that scoring threat that has been missing for months.

Kandji was quick to point out the effect a change in strategy did for the teams attack. “There was high pressure all over the field and we worked very hard at that in practice. We came out and showed it.” And though happy with the results, he was very close to the vest when asked about the continuance of the strategy. “That was a new style, but you never know. Coach could change the formation (against Houston), so we will see.”

One of the biggest attributes often associated with Kandji is his focus. Even in the face of the teams on field successes, Kandji’s keeps his mind on the bigger picture. “We need some wins man, we need some wins,” he exclaimed. “We need some wins starting with this past home game. We came out and we showed that we wanted it more than anybody. And we are going to do that again on Saturday. One game at a time.”

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Of course, I couldn’t let Kandji go without the universally asked question: Would he join the US Mens National Team if given the opportunity. “Yes, I mean, everything is open. Actually, Senegal called me again the day before yesterday,” he said. “Gambia is also interested too. I have a lot of options.”

But his mind remains on the season. “Senegal didn’t make it to the African Cup or the World Cup qualifiers so I can still concentrate on the club, you know? I’ll score some goals and help my team win and later on, we will see what is going to happen.” And I am sure Bulls fans everywhere would be quite content with that.

AP PHOTO: MIKE STOBLE GETTY IMAGES