On this week’s edition of We Are TFC II, we sit down with Swiss defender Brandon Onkony.
What has been your favourite moment in your soccer career thus far?
Onkony: Training with Didier Drogba in Montreal.
Did Drogba give you any advice?
Onkony: He gave me some advice, even though he’s a striker he told me when I have the ball it’s important to stay calm, and I have to be a leader. And how it’s important to manage my wingbacks because I can see the whole field.
You spent time with TFC III at the Viareggio tournament, what was that experience like?
Onkony: It was a really good experience, we played against some good footballers from Europe. I knew some of the Italian teams from my time in Switzerland, So I knew the Italian players liked to play on the ground. It was a nice experience and I really enjoyed it.
And you scored a last-minute tying goal against S.S. Maceratese, how did that feel?
Onkony: It felt great. It was the last ball of the game and I wasn't supposed to be up. But Danny [Dichio] told me to go up. When it went in, I was really happy.
At what moment did you know you could go pro?
Onknoy: When I joined Lausanne Sport Academy in Switzerland.
Do you have a coach/mentor that has affected your soccer career?
Onkony: Yohann Damet, my first coach in Montreal. He was the one who switched me to a centre-back.
Where did you play before?
Onkony: Growing up I played right wing. Then I moved to right back. When Yohann first saw me, he said you are playing center-back.
What do you like most about playing centre-back?
Onkony: I love the One vs. One. When you win the ball back that is what it is all about.
A player you like to model your game after?
Onkony: Sergio Ramos. He can do everything, good with both feet, aggressive and can score some goals.
Taking a quick look at your phone, which photo in it means the most to you?
Onkony: My pictures with Drogba and [Zinedine] Zidane because they are some of the greatest players to ever play the game.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Onkony: I typically play video games, go out with friends. Sleep and eat.
Do you have a favourite movie?
Onknoy: The Intouchables.
Music Artist?
Onkony: Bryson Tiller, I love his song ‘Blowing Smoke’ right now.
Why do you wear number 77?
Onkony: Drogba kind of gave it to me. In Montreal, he wanted to tell me about my positioning during training. It was one of my first sessions there so he didn’t know my name yet so he just called me double seven [in French]. After that I just decided it would be my number.
Did you have a favourite club growing up in Switzerland?
Onkony: My dream was to play for Olympique Lyonnais.
How have you found the adjustment to life in Toronto/Canada?
Onkony: Good, the people are nicer here than in Europe but I could do without the cold.
What do you like the most about the city?
Onkony: I love the restaurants here. There is a lot of culture; there is a lot of great food. And the city is beautiful. It’s one of the best cities I’ve lived in.
What do you miss the most about home?
Onkony: Friends and Family.
What was the soccer scene like back home?
Onkony: I was younger but I was in a Swiss Academy and we had the minimum. It was still a professional club with it was really different.
