On that day, the now 20- year-old was taunted and turned inside out by the Melbourne Victory’s mercurial duo of Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse as he lined up in the unfamiliar position of left back for the Wellington Phoenix.
It was an introduction that has no doubt prepared the former Wanganui High School student, who has just put pen to paper with Premier League club Fulham, for the rigours of English football.
That debut was to be one of just three appearances for the Phoenix for Musa, who was signed to the A-League side after being scouted by assistant coach Jonathan Gould at a national U-19 tournament.
He was released from the club 18 months ago and, although his international youth career has blossomed, his club career was at a crossroads and he was at risk of fading into the memory as many young players do.
Following an impressive showing at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, trials were earned at English League Two side Bradford City. He looked certain to sign for the Bantams until the deal fell through as manager Peter Jackson resigned, leaving Musa in limbo and in need of a new club.
It was New Zealand ASB Premiership outfit Team Wellington who offered Musa a chance to impress and an opportunity for redemption in the capital, where he had experienced the highs and lows of professional football while with the Phoenix.
Playing for Wellington saw Musa begin to rebuild his confidence and reputation, putting in a number of outstanding performances as the club marched to the final before succumbing to Waitakere United 4-1. It was on the back of these performances that Musa was selected for New Zealand’s Olympic squad for the Oceania qualifying tournament, held during March in the North Island city of Taupo. Musa was a standout at the event, scoring twice as the Oly Whites secured their place at London 2012, earning the youngsters the opportunity to impress scouts from Europe’s top clubs who would be in attendance at the Games.
Although Musa was given just a 35-minute cameo at the Olympics against Egypt at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, it was enough to impress Premier League side Fulham, who offered the athletic centre back an immediate trial.
Oly Whites coach Neil Emblen, who stayed on in London with Musa, was optimistic and encouraged by his performances during the trial period.
“James trained really well the day I watched, he fitted in perfectly,” Emblen says.
“He then played a couple of games against non-league teams and did well. I can see why teams do want to talk to him because you just look at him and he looks like a superb athlete.”
The Fulham coaching staff were likewise impressed and have offered Musa a five-month contract with a view to possibly extending that in January as they oversee his development in the club’s U-21 side.
“The key is to get yourself over there, get your foot in the door, try to show what you’ve got and try to progress through the grades,” Musa says.
“Just to get over there and into the environment is the main thing.”
Having seen him overcome his Phoenix disappointment and rise from the ashes to re-establish his career, Emblen says the perseverance of Musa is admirable.
“Now it’s time to see if he can deliver or not. I’m just hoping that he can.”

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