Defender's 'difficult' journey to top flight

ONE of Sunderland's brilliant summer signings has been reflecting on his journey to the Premier League - and it’s been far from easy.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

Sunderland's Reinildo Mandava

Reinildo Mandava made history when he lined up against West Ham United on August 16.

He became the first player to represent Mozambique in the Premier League, a record achieved by no other.

Before that day, the defender had an illustrious career playing across Europe for the likes of Atletico Madrid and Lille while also featuring in the Champions League.

But for a young lad born in Beira, that day back in August was one where he found it hard to contain his emotion but one that showed that with belief, anything is possible.

Mandava suffered personal grief at a young age with the loss of his father.

There is no manual on how to overcome these moments in life but for Mandava, a poignant message from his dad proved to have been the driving force of his career.