SIR Mo Farah’s cousin hopes he can get the legendary athlete along to a Banbury United game next season after signing for the club.
Yonis Farah joined the Puritans last month following stints in Scandinavia with Norwegian outfit Trysil FK, and then Swedish sides Ytterhogdals and Eskilstuna City.
The 23-year-old left back had been on trial with Banbury this summer and is looking forward to getting stuck into the Vanarama National League North season, which kicks off on Saturday at home to Spennymoor Town.
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Farah told this newspaper: “I’ve come from playing abroad in Sweden and wanted to get back in the English system.
“The gaffer gave me an option to come on trial, and the boys have been really welcoming, including the coaches and the fans.
“It’s a very long season and for me, it’s about taking it game by game, and playing as many games as I can.
“I want to win every game I play, I’ve got a winning mentality.
“It’ll be a long and tough season but I’m looking forward to it.
“I play at left back but I can also play as a wing back. I’m very athletic and get up and down the pitch.
“I like going forward but I’m solid defensively too. I like to put crosses in, create chances and get assists.”
One face who might be in the crowd at the Spencer Stadium next season is four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo.
“He always gives really good advice on fitness and nutrition, and he’s got great knowledge of sports,” said Yonis.
“He knows I play football and he’s interested when I play.
“He’s a massive football fan and I’ll try and get him down to a game at some point.
“He’s a busy guy but hopefully he can come down to a game.”
“There’s a position for everyone in rugby and you don’t need much experience because that’s what the coaches are there for.”
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) August 1, 2023
A decade after having to disband, @WitneyRFC is looking to reform its own feeder team for the women’s sidehttps://t.co/xHLCcYijiB
Puritans signing Farah has played seven times for Somalia, making his international debut in September 2019.
The East African nation are in Group G alongside Algeria in the African qualification groups for the 2026 World Cup, meaning there is a possible match-up against former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who recently signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a £30million deal.
Farah said: “Now I’ve signed for Banbury, it’s for me to try and do my best, and focus on club football.
“When it’s going well at your club, you get recognition at international level, and that’s why it’s important to focus on Banbury.
“Algeria are in the same qualification group so to play against Riyad Mahrez would be a great experience to test myself.
“I need to focus on Banbury and then everything will look after itself.”
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