Sesay Anticipates Difficult Hong Kong Test

The Foxes have so far enjoyed a fine 2014/15 campaign, finishing in the top eight of the Barclays U21 Premier League to qualify for next season’s Premier League International Cup, as well as making it to the semi-finals of that competition. 

Sesay was the most capped Under-21s player, notching up 26 appearances, and hopes that his previous experience out in Hong Kong will have a positive effect on this year’s tournament.

“I was really looking forward to heading out there again, specifically so I can hopefully try and use my experience in the tournament to help out the team,” Sesay told LCFC.com. 

“The playing style consists of plenty of short, sharp bursts. It’s one-on-one all over the park in terms of marking players, so being disciplined is a big part. 

“We’re all leaders in our own ways when it comes down to it, and I do see myself as one of the leaders out there as I’m one of the more experienced players, and I’ve been to this tournament already and I’ve captained the Under-21s a number of times this season. 

“It’s very difficult because of the heat, plus there’s no offside rule. We’ve been doing specific training in England and over here in Hong Kong to prepare ourselves for the challenge. It’ll be very intense when we’re playing as we’ve had a couple of days off to get back up to pace and reenergise. 

“I’ve already played in the tournament, and I’ve played out in Africa for Sierra Leone, but it’ll still be hard to adjust to the climate.” 

Sesay played a key role in City’s run of eight games unbeaten in all competitions earlier in the season, and feels that winning the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens will round off a productive campaign. 

He added: “Winning the tournament will be the icing on the cake of what has been a good season for us. It’s always nice to finish the season on a high. 

“There’s always room for improvement, but I’ve enjoyed it. The run that we went on earlier this year was fantastic. We just hope that we can return home with the trophy.”