Sheikh Sibi’s incredible form in the first round in Serie C has kept many pundits calling for his return to the scorpion’s fold.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper spoke to the Alkamba Times, saying he is giving it all to Virtus Verona and lamenting the legitimate call for in-form goalkeepers as a must in the national team.
Sibi only missed one match in the first round and kept six clean sheets in 18 outings.
“I am pleased with my performance in the first round; the 28 points gathered is a club record. It’s a good start; we could have gone beyond 28 points, but certain things and circumstances made it impossible,” he emphasized.
“This season I have the opportunity to play week in and week out with the team because, in previous years, the national duties engagement was disturbing my development because our league doesn’t have a break during the international break. When you find a goalkeeper who is performing, the coach won’t just change him like that. My focus is to play as many games as possible. I am taking advantage of the opportunity and capitalizing on it.”
🇬🇲 Sheikh Sibi made this save in the last 10 minutes before his team Virtus Verona scored the winner to beat Fiorenzuola 1-0 on Friday.
Sheikh played 9/9 league matches and kept his second clean sheet of the season. pic.twitter.com/7QXb5gxIpL
— Foday Manneh (@foday_manneh_) October 21, 2023
Virtus Verona, who has an average age of 24 years, is sitting in 8th position with 28 points. The agile keeper joined Gambians with more than 100 appearances for their club.
“It’s a big achievement, but what is more important to me right now is to focus on the games; every game has its preparation and how to play it. It’s a record that is out there.”
“Our target is promotion; we run from relegation, and after that is secured, we aim higher in the table to grab the playoff spot. “
Move from Italy
“There is a possibility; my doors are open. When the right offer comes.”
Sibi was racially abused in their game against Pro Vercelli at the Gavagnin Nocini ground.
“I was hurt because it happened behind the goalpost; it was just a few metres. I was hearing everything he was saying; his voice was loud, and I was able to identify him. Many were amazed at how I kept my composure for the next 45 minutes.”
“He was the loudest, but the fans took over from him; they were fined and have been given a match banned”
“The step the federation has taken should continue and people should be banned and giving fines; it will teach lessons to other fans, and they might be careful. I believe that sometimes they are influenced by alcohol and regret their actions when they become sober.
Sibi hasn’t represented the Gambia since AFCON 2021 but urged selection to be based on merits.
“it’s good that you pick goalkeepers that deserve it—goalkeepers that are playing week in and week out and are there based on merit.”
