By Aaron Campbell, (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
In 2004 Daniel Sagno moved from Guinea to Winnipeg, Manitoba. In finding his passion for soccer he linked up with the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Since overcoming some personal tragedy in his life by losing both his parents, he has turned to the soccer pitch and has excelled for the Whitecaps U16, U18 and the Canadian U16 team.
With the news that the Vancouver Whitecaps have started an academy in Manitoba put out this week it will be a chance for them to get more talent from Manitoba like they have now with Sagno, Kianz Froese and Marco Bustos.
I managed to catch up with the busy youngster and had a chance to see what his thoughts are on his current season and what his plans are for the future.
How would you rate your play this season for the Vancouver Whitecaps U18 team?
Personally, I feel I like started off really well, I went in a bit of a slump but overall it’s been a good season so far.
Last season you formed a great partnership with Dario Zanatta, how has it been since he left for Europe?
Well, him leaving and pushing up with the u18 I felt that I needed to take up the role of making sure I am on the scoring sheet with the U16. This season I did not get the chance to play with him much but his presence is surely missed.
The past few seasons you have dealt with some tragedies in your personal life. How have the Whitecaps as an organization helped you deal with that?
Whitecaps have been amazing, they continue to support my development as a player and as a person. They do as much as possible to make sure I succeed.
What are your personal and team goals for this year?
I want to finish with as many goals as possible. As a team we want to win it all, we have a great team and believe we can.
How excited are you to play this year for Canada?
It is always a great privilege to represent your country and getting another chance to would be fantastic.
With Marco Bustos and Kianz Froese already having first team contracts. How much fun would it be to be the 3rd player on the MLS team from Manitoba?
It would be great of course. Both Froese and Bustos are quality players and represent the talent in Manitoba. Having the opportunity to be a part of that would be a dream come true.
What player on the first team do you most look up too?
I’m a fan of Kekuta Manneh, we have a similar playing style. It is always a joy to watch him play and take on players.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I hope to be playing professional soccer. If for Vancouver Whitecaps it would be fantastic.
