Baba back on the radar

INTERNATIONAL DUTY Noe Baba pictured leading the Republic of Ireland under-19 team out onto the pitch for a friendly against Azerbaijan played in Tallaght Stadium in 2015. Pic: Sportsfile

Macclesfield’s new signing is off to a flyer

Interview
Cory Kilbane

AFTER being released by Birmingham City at the end of last season, Noe Baba was back home in Mayo when he was involved in a serious car accident last May.
His footballing career flashed before his eyes, and since that day, he has taken a new approach to life.
“It was a massive experience, one that has helped and changed me in a lot of ways,” Baba told The Mayo News recently.
“I thank God every day that everyone involved in the crash made it through and no one was seriously hurt. It made me realise that everything you have in life can be taken away from you in a split-second.
“I don’t like to dwell on the crash as there were kids involved in it, and I thank God so much that they were okay. The whole experience has taught me to slow down and appreciate life a lot more,”
Following his recovery from the crash, in which no serious injuries were sustained, Baba returned to training with Castlebar Celtic, shortly before he was contacted by Macclesfield Town. Last month he joined the Cheshire-based club, who operate in the fifth-tier National League – on a one-year deal. Their season began with an away trip to Wrexham last Saturday, where Baba’s rocket was the only goal of the game.
“Castlebar for me were the main base for my career. The people and the boys at the club are great, I love playing with them,” he said.
Baba’s performances at underage level are fondly remembered by many in Mayo. But the ex-Castlebar Celtic wonder-kid’s name had slipped under the radar since he made the move to England.
He signed for Fulham in November 2012 despite being linked with a move to Manchester United after completing a trial at the club.
For most, leaving home at the age of 16 would be a difficult experience. Baba wasn’t fazed by it, but he knew he had a big challenge ahead of himself in adapting to life in England.  
“Heading to Fulham, I wasn’t scared,” he told The Mayo News. “Growing up, I rarely found myself scared, I was never afraid of much. I left my home for Fulham, so coming from playing Sunday League football to this was a lot different, and an experience in itself which taught me a lot,” he said.
Having spent two years at Fulham, he was loving life in west London, but soon found himself on his travels again after being released by the club in 2015.  
“I wanted to stay in London,” he said. “I had spent two seasons there and it’s difficult to just get up and move on. I loved living there, but at the same time Birmingham was a new challenge and it was one which I really enjoyed.”
Baba – who turns 21 today (Tuesday, August 8) – returned to Castlebar for the summer months to weigh up his options after being released by Birmingham. Feeling unsettled, he turned to Castlebar Boxing Club and started training with them.
“My head wasn’t in a good place and I think the boxing club really helped me. Honestly I don’t think I could have went to a better place,” he said.
“It helped me change mentally so much. I was coached by Mick Quinn ... he’s an incredible guy, and he has helped me so much. He helped me bounce back and I have so much respect for him for that.”
The Republic of Ireland underage international has also given some thought to coaching. Having been involved in a couple of soccer summer camps with Castlebar Celtic, it’s an aspect of the game he has found himself enjoying.
“I think it is very important, that if you know something, you should teach it to others,” he explained. “It’s great knowing that the person who is coaching you has been through what you have to go through.
“I love helping people out whenever I get the opportunity to do so.”
It’s been a rollercoaster three years for the Cameroon native. It is clear that he is focused on taking a steady approach into the future and that he is fully committed to furthering his footballing career.
“I live for today, I take it day by day, that’s my main target. I try to enjoy myself and stay as positive as I can,” he said.
“My main plan is to give my best in training and in games. After the summer I have had, I have realised that life is too short and that I want to give it my all,” he concluded.