Zoumana Keita joined RSCA in early June from Viktoria Köln. The 19-year-old defender with Malian roots has already played several games at the heart of the purple and white defense, alongside his friend Simić. For the first time, Zoumana shares his first impressions of RSCA, the expectations that came with his move, and his ambitions for his first season at Sporting.
Zoumana, what are your first impressions after a few weeks of training with RSCA?
“It’s different here than in Germany. You immediately feel the professionalism in the club, the intensity during training, the individual quality. I had a good first impression straight away. The players are good, the coaches as well, and I have a good relationship with everyone.”
Handling the pressure
What stood out in your first weeks at RSCA?
“Everyone in the club is very open and welcoming. Also the way people work here. The collaboration between coaches, the medical staff, and the players is striking. They really work hard here to develop players and make them better. That feels special.”
How do you deal with the standards expected of you every day?
“It’s a challenge for me: a new country, a new competition. I have to adapt to the level and the expectations the coach has of me. It might take a little time to fully meet those expectations, but I have a good feeling about this move. I want to make the most of it.”
Tips from Taravel
How were the first weeks with the new staff?
“Really good. They all talk to me a lot. I’ve already had some individual meetings with the coaches, where we use video to look at how I can improve. Jérémy Taravel often gives me guidance during training. It feels good that he wants to work with me and show me what I can do differently. He talks to me a lot and gives me tips on how to improve.”
What do you want to achieve in your first season with RSCA?
“First of all, I want to keep developing myself and work on the areas where I can still improve. I hope to play as much as possible, perform well during matches to help the team, and of course win trophies. We want to win games and have a great season with this team. That’s the goal.”
What aspects of your game still need work?
“I still need to improve my game without the ball, reading the play in certain moments. My tactical awareness is definitely something I need to work on.”
Quickfire with Zoumana
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
“I’d say I’m a calm and funny guy. A chill guy.”
What’s something not many people know about you?
“To be honest, I’m actually a boring guy. There’s nothing special about me. But I think many people wouldn’t expect that I scroll on TikTok all the time. I watch it 24/7. I’m really a TikTok guy.”
Which teammate makes you laugh the most?
“Jan-Carlo Simić, because we both speak German. Also Moussa Ndiaye.”
Outside of football, what do you like doing in your free time?
“I like hanging out with friends and family, spending time with them. I don’t really have a hobby I practice regularly.”
If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be?
“In my head, there was always only one option: football. If I hadn’t become a footballer, I think I would have become a businessman. But my friends will laugh at this answer. They don’t think I’m made for that world, so I’m glad football worked out.”
