Midfielder César Lolohea joined the ranks at Ligue 2 side Stade Lavallois Mayenne FC in 2011 and while he has made appearances with the reserves in the Division d’Honneur he has yet to crack into the first team.
The 23-year-old, who remains under amateur contract, has been training with the first team since the beginning of the season and believes he is on the right path for an eventual opportunity.
“I’m fired up at the moment,” Lolohea says.
“It certainly motivates me. I have to do the same as Georges – let go of myself more, continue to move forward. If I can become consistent, maybe the coach will give me a chance.”
With a personality that lends itself closer to shy and retiring than outgoing and fierce, Lolohea has struggled to impose himself in the past but says that is something he is working hard at overcoming.
“I am naturally shy and I dared not speak too much in the first year. But this season I am more at ease and above all I understand that I need to take responsibility,” he says.
Stade Lavel head coach Philippe Hinschberger and U-19 coach Bernard Mottais are unanimous in their assessment of the Caledonian and his potential future as a professional.
“César has finally woken up. Until now he’s had trouble overcoming his nature which is naturally discreet and very kind – too kind for the middle,” Mottais says.
“He can sometimes be a little soft,” Hinschberger agrees.
“But, both in training and in matches, we feel that he is becoming a different player and he is showing us beautiful things,” he says.
“He needs to continue like this. This is the season, more so than ever, that César must show us that he is capable of going pro. Because, it would not be in his interest, nor ours, to continue his career with us as an amateur.”
According to Lolohea himself, training with professional players is having a huge influence on his progress and may be what makes the difference for him.
“It allows me to develop an awareness of the high level requirements in terms of physical preparation, but also in terms of recuperation, sleep and nutrition,” Lolohea says.
He says that with his form constantly improving he feels his name could make its way onto the team list at any time.
“Without a doubt, when the coach posts the team list for the weekend match in Ligue 2, I look to see if my name is there. There’s always a little disappointment when it’s not the case, but honestly, I am not making it an obsession,” he says.
“My objective firstly is to get a professional contract by the end of the season. After that, I will set myself new goals to achieve.”
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com

Share