Photo: Steve Starek/Melbourne Knights
Melbourne Knights has a history of unearthing prodigious players.
While it’s too early to put Elvis Kamsoba in that category, the young Burundian only has to gaze up at the name adorning Knights Stadium’s grandstand to see he is basking in the shadows of great predecessors.
The decorated Sunshine club acquired the exciting winger from the South Australian NPL in yet another example of the NPL Victoria’s unrivalled drawcard status.
Kamsoba spearheads a competitive line-up, hoping to propel the club’s return to former glories.
Last season followed a familiar narrative of inconsistencies for the Knights in recent seasons, who are battling to shake the same tag, but Kamsoba’s motivation matches the club with its own national ambitions.
It’s easy to understand why Kamsoba isn’t messing around. He’s overcome a lot on his journey to Somers Street. Born in the small African nation of Burundi, the 20-year-old sought asylum in Australia from Tanzania, before forging a career as a footballer.
“I came to Australia from a Tanzanian refugee camp and I’ve been here for the last nine years,” Kamsoba said.
“I was 12 years old when I arrived in South Australia and started playing amateur football.”
Kamsoba wasn’t amateur for long. He worked his way into the SANPL with Croydon Kings, after winning both the Best and Fairest and Golden Boot with Gepps Cross Raiders in his first season.
The success earned him multiple trials with Adelaide United.
“I got into the Adelaide United youth setup a few times, first time at about 14-15,” he said.
“Things didn’t go so well, there were a lot of players and I was small and young. The coach told me to go away, play some more first team games and I’ll get you when you’re ready.
“So I went back last season but the first-team coach left. I came down and trialled with Melbourne City for a week, then Adelaide United called me and said they wanted me back.
“Then things didn’t go well again.”
He may not have been ready then, but Kamsoba is showing signs that he’s ready now, with two goals and two assists in his first three games for the Knights.
If he keeps such figures up there may be similarities in career trajectory with Kamsoba and another South Australian alumni from Melbourne Knights, Jordan O’Doherty, now a senior capped A-League player.
The hurdles Kamsoba’s overcome, both on and off the pitch, have formed a staunch sense of determination that flickers through an otherwise relaxed demeanour.
It’s been a rough journey to the Melbourne Knights, but one that’s imparted resoluteness on the young forward. There are few more important characteristics for a young athlete.
“Life’s pretty good. I live in Dandy (Dandenong) with my uncle and he drives me to soccer training.
“I came here expecting to win, that’s what any player should expect. I came ready.”
The speedster’s best known for his impressive acrobatic celebrations, suggesting some indulgence to his game. But they’re misleading characteristics. His game style tells a very different story.
Kamsoba is quickly gaining a reputation as a hard-working forward who tracks back, finds assists and scores crucial goals. A well-rounded attacker.
“Everywhere you go, 11 players defend as a team…That’s what I try to do every game, to try to help the defender.
“To make it easy for me, I try to make it easy for him as well.”
While he’s quickly making his mark on Melbourne, for a young man with stars in his eyes, this is hopefully just the making of a glittering professional career.
“I spoke to a few friends and coaches and they recommended to come (to the NPL Victoria) because it’s the toughest league in Australia. So I came here with the intention of playing in the A-League.
“As a winger or a striker the aim is to score goals and it’s been happening for me, I feel like I’m playing really well.”
The course may be set for the namesake of the King himself, who’s conquered incredible hardships, yet retained such self-belief, for a bright future.
Melbourne Knights could yet have another star in the making.