Joy-Lance Mickels has been a Manchester United fan since childhood, and on Thursday the Rwanda international will fulfil a lifelong dream. The 32-year-old is expected to start up front when Azerbaijani side Sabah travel to the home of the Red Devils in the opening round of the league phase of this year's Champions League ( ). "I watch every [Man Utd] game when I can," he told the BBC World Service.
"It was the best draw we [Sabah] got in my opinion. It makes it even better because we're going to play in Old Trafford. "Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it will be a proud moment to step out on to the pitch." Mickels is in his second stint with the side based in the town of Masazir, which lies about 16km (10 miles) north-west of the capital Baku.
He has played an important role in helping the Azerbaijan Premier League champions progress this far on their debut in the competition. The forward scored four times in qualifying as the club, founded just nine years ago, navigated four two-legged ties to reach the Champions League proper. One of those goals was the strike which ultimately sealed a 6-4 aggregate win over Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva after a 94th-minute goal had forced the play-off tie into extra time.
"Reaching the Champions League is an historic achievement for Sabah and starting the league phase at Old Trafford makes it even more exciting," Mickels said. "At the same time, we're not going there only to enjoy the atmosphere. We want to compete to represent not only our club but Azerbaijan in the best possible way and show we deserve to be there." Mickels spent the first half of his career in the lower leagues in Germany, where he was born and raised, but has also had stints in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.
His first spell with Sabah came between 2021 and 2023, and he returned to the Bank Respublika Arena two years ago. "My career has not always followed a straight or easy path," he explained. "I have played at different levels and in several countries.
But every experience has helped me grow both as a footballer and as a person." He qualifies to represent Rwanda through his parents and made his international debut for the Wasps in March. Mickels is now set to be the first footballer from the East African nation to play in the Champions League proper. "I'm very proud of my Rwandan roots," he said.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
