NPSL Spotlight With Joao Johanning Mora of Atlanta Silverbacks
SoccerToday spoke with NPSL Player of the Week Joao Johanning Mora in our latest highlight interview of the award’s recipients. The Guinea-Bissuam Africa, native grew up in Costa Rica where he began his professional career, playing for five clubs from 2009 to 2012. After a brief hiatus from the game, he signed with the Silverbacks Reserves.
Related Article: NPSL Player of the Week: Joao Johanning Mora
NPSL Soccer News: Atlanta Silverbacks forward Joao Johanning Mora was awarded Mitre National Player of the Week honors for Week 13 of the 2017 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season.
SoccerToday spoke with Mora as we present our latest exclusive interview on the NPSL’s Mitre Player of the Week.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you come back to your team?
Joao Johanning Mora: I rejoined in 2016.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about the Atlanta Silverbacks?
Joao Johanning Mora: I like the vibe I get when the team is together.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long have you been with your team?
Joao Johanning Mora: A little over a year.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long have you played in the NPSL?
Joao Johanning Mora: Two seasons straight.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your position?
Joao Johanning Mora: I play left and right wing or striker.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about playing your position?
Joao Johanning Mora: I enjoy the one-on-one opportunities.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
Joao Johanning Mora: When I was five years old.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team did you first play for?
Joao Johanning Mora: Be rica de Guinea-Bissau.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be an impact player?
Joao Johanning Mora: It takes hard work, dedication and playing with passion to be a real impact player.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell us about your coach Phoday Dolleh— what is he like to play for?
Joao Johanning Mora: As a trainer, he has a lot of knowledge about the game.
What impresses me the most is that he is a master at tactics. I also like that he focuses on every player and works individually on what he needs to improve on. Overall, I like that he’s a great person.
Diane Scavuzzo: What inspires you?
Joao Johanning Mora: Mostly my family, but the game itself is a big inspiration.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals as a player?
Joao Johanning Mora: I think playing for a European team is a little too late but still I dream of getting into an MLS team.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you want to play in Europe or in the MLS?
Joao Johanning Mora: Yes, I’d like to play in Europe — that’s always been a dream of mine but to play soccer in the MLS is just as good.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
Joao Johanning Mora: Super speed in order to make it across the field in seconds and score a lot of goals.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player?
Joao Johanning Mora: My favorite player is definitely Neymar and FC Barcelona is my favorite team. Behind closed doors I root for Manchester United.
Photo Credit: Dave Williamson Photography
