Sierra Leone international Woobay poised for a new challenge
February 2, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
Slovenian top league (Prva Liga) side, NK Olimpija, has signed Sierra Leone attacking midfielder, Gibrilla Julius Woobay on a year-and-half contract which ends on May 30, 2017.
The Dragon confirmed the signing of the 31-year-old with a story on the club’s website, which was published on January 29, few days before the team’s departure for their week-long training camp in Croatia.
Woobay, who last played for Azerbaijan top league side Neftči before joining the Slovenian green-and-white jersey club, said he was very pleased with the move.
He told the club’s website: “First, I must stress that I am extremely pleased with my arrival in Olimpija. Special thanks to the leadership of the club, the Sports Director Ranko Stojiću and especially the great gentleman, the President Milan Mandariću, who showed great interest in my arrival in Ljubljana.
“With knowledge about Slovenian opponents, the process of adaptation to the new environment and start significantly will possibly be easier and faster for me. Already I’ve heard a lot about the club and about the rivalry between Olimpija and Maribor.”
The former Nea Salmina and Aris Limassol player’s ability – with the capacity to play in either wing positions in the attack – was one reason why head coach Marko Nikolic made a move for him; and the tactician did not hide his satisfaction with the new reinforcement.
“The mere fact that his signing quickly expanded beyond Slovenian borders speaks volumes,” said Nikolic. “This is an excellent footballer, who is also an exceptional personality. He is characterised by excellent technical profiled knowledge, an excellent overview of the game and the opportunity to play in different positions in the attack. So he is a versatile forward who will work with Elekejem and Henty to form our attack.”
Woobay has got a wealth of experience on the international football stage since his move from Sierra Leone’s East End Lions. The player has played in Cyprus for Nea Salmina and Aris Limassol; in Romania for Universitatea Craiova; in Azerbaijan for Khazar Lankaran and Neftči; in Egypt for El Masry; and in the United Arab Emirates for Al-Shabba.