Monrovia – Barrack Young Controllers’ defender Eugene Swen said playing for Liberia was always his dream, even when he was not called up to the national team for justification.
Report by Christopher C. Walker 00231886723075 / 00231777898224 [email protected]
Swen has been a regular for double Champions BYC since his transfer from Keitrace FC at the start of last season and earned his first cap in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat of Zimbabwe.
“What a history for me making my debut on my birthday. It started with a win and so shall it end.
“Thank you Lord for making mama to bring me forth on this day; thank you mama for bringing me on this day birthday; just got started!” Swen posted on social media.
It was the first step to a potential successful international career for the highly-rated former Keitrace central back.
“I always wanted to play for Lone Star; but when I was younger I was not at the level required so I thought it best to fight harder starting at a top club to get some experience. That was why I joined BYC. When I got a call saying they (BYC) wanted me, I did not think twice. I was thankful to play for BYC, and my first season was great. There was never any doubt,” he stated.
Reflecting on the emotions of his big afternoon, which have only increased the defender’s value Eugene added: “I have been striving to get here for years having missed out on the under-20 squad so to finally do it, on a stage like this, and against a tough team, is a dream comes true. I felt comfortable. There were a few nerves and butterflies as you would expect but it helped me playing alongside experienced players like Teah [Dennis], [William] Jebor, [Anthony] Laffor, and [Tonia] Tisdell. They were talking to me throughout the game the whole time,” he disclosed.
Swen is a confident individual and although he has been among the best defenders in the country for the past three seasons playing for Keitrace FC, he never doubted his ability to reach the top.
The BYC defender was introduced in the second half of the match, replacing Anthony Laffor, 10 minutes to the final whistle.
“I always thought if I am playing well in the league I would have a chance,” he said; adding: “I was always confident in my ability. I always thought I would make it at the top. Just a chance I wanted, I got it and I felt I had a point to prove, and it made me work a bit harder. I feel maybe I have proved it,” Eugene said.
