A shock signing in January from the Norwegian second division Gift Emmanuel Orban has already become a class act with top Belgian club KAA Gent.
A headline writer's dream: Gift Orban scores two great goals on his debut for Gent. https://t.co/sBQQyXs2tS
— FotMob (@FotMob) February 12, 2023
Orban scored his fourth goal in six appearances for Gent to edge past Anderlecht Sunday night inside a jammed Ghelamco Arena.
The outburst of joy among players and spectators spoke volumes.
Forty minutes later, however, the Man of the Match himself was remarkably sober.
“I feel good,” Orban translated his body language into words.
“An important victory, but we have not yet reached our objective. This match is over and now we have to look forward to the next one.
That was the mature message from the 20-year-old striker.
It is simply impressive how the goal scorer has made such an impact on ‘The Buffalos’ in such a short time.
“Certainly. Everyone thought it was a big step from the second division in Norway to the Belgian first division, but I have a different mentality,” he continued.
“I didn’t come here to sit on the bench. Mentally I am very strong. With everyone helping me here, it is also normal that I keep making progress”.
AA Gent 1:0 Anderlecht 🇧🇪. A mental night with a stunning winner from Gift Orban, Gent's new 🇳🇬 striker. Google his goal – this player is red hot 🔥. A rocking Ghelamco with #AAGent back in play-off contention. Just like old times with a huge crowd and great celebrations. pic.twitter.com/klMPh5YKZs
— An English Groundhopper in East Flanders (@AnFlanders) March 5, 2023
‘Everyone’, including the teammates and coach, who are happy to praise him: “Orban is lively, he is strong on the ball and can finish very well. Yesterday he scored in training with a volley that everyone was watching with open mouth. With the left foot. Today he also showed his skills during the match, now with the right foot”.
The compliments kept coming for a while. Phenomenon.
He is such a killer on the field, such an extroverted, cuddly bear next to it. And sometimes both come together on the field, with the hug from Debast as an exponent.
“I made a mistake on him and wanted to make it right. Fair play is important”.
And now time for a party, with him behind the turntable.
“I have two loves: football and music,” he laughed.
Where is that party? Here’s that party.