A circuitous route around the globe that saw the Nigerian striker pass through Auckland, Hong Kong, Paris and Casablanca, finally came to an end when Issa arrived in Rabat yesterday for the FIFA Club World Cup showdown with Moghreb Tetouan.
“It was very tiring but I had to do it,” Issa explains, “The team is treating me well and very welcoming, so I’m really happy for that.”
“When I was back in Vanuatu I was really eager to train with the team because to join Auckland City FC is like a dream come true.
“When I was contacted by the coach the first time to join Auckland City FC it was a shock to me.
“But he’s been nice to me and called me everyday to check to see what was going on with the move. I was really happy about that,” Issa says.
Issa’s arrival was welcomed by triple golden boot winner Emiliano Tade and the pair had much to talk about.
“I was talking to Tade about the OFC Champions League final last year and when he scored the winning goal with three minutes left I was heartbroken.
“Especially as a team because everyone at Amicale wanted to come to the FIFA Club World Cup,” Issa says.
Tade modestly downplayed Issa’s reference and says the Navy Blues have signed themselves a talented player.
“You can see how strong Sanni is and it’s good to have him here. Everyone has made Sanni feel very welcome it is like a family at the club and we’re happy to see him with the team,” Tade says.
Issa is far from lonely with another ex-Amicale player, Marko Dordevic, signing for Auckland City FC in late November.
“When I came to Morocco Marko was the first person who saw me and it was good as we are ex-Amicale team-mates but we have to forget about that now and settle in with our new team,” Issa says.
Coach Ramon Tribulietx was delighted to sign Issa but said expectations of the player had to be measured carefully.
“We have quite a structured way of playing and its going to take a while for Sanni to absorb that.
“It requires a long time to understand the way we play and you can see that process every pre-season when new players come to the club.
“It can take time to understand what the story is when we are in possession or out of possession.
“Sanni is going to take some time but we’re helping him by showing him videos but we’ve got to put that into perspective.
“We need to balance that out by keeping him fresh mentally. If we give him too much information it could make it difficult for the player.
“Again, we’ll give him enough so he understands what we are trying to do, but not too much.
Issa’s arrival comes at a good time for the club with Joao Moreira out injured.
The Nigerian won the OFC Champions League golden boot award two seasons ago when he bagged 9 goals for Fijian giants Ba.
He then made a switch to Vanuatu outfit Amicale where he helped the team to a runners-up finish in the same competition.
Alongside Fabrizio Tavano, Tade, Ryan De Vries, David Browne and the returning Moreira, Issa’s availability expands the attacking options open to Tribulietx.
One thing is for sure according to Issa – he’s not in Morocco for a holiday.
“My friends are very happy for this move and I am too. My family back home told me to work hard, to train hard and do my best,” he says.
Auckland City FC’s first match of the FIFA Club World Cup is on December 10 when they meet Moroccan national champions Moghreb Tetouan.
FACT FILE
Name: Sanni ISSA
Nationality: Nigerian
Club: Auckland City FC (NZL)
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: Ba (Fiji), Suva (Fiji), Amicale (Vanuatu)
Honours: OFC Champions League Golden Boot winner 2013

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