Punjab FC striker Bakenga spoke on his association with compatriot Holland, made many revelations

New Delhi : Punjab FC has made a great start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, collecting 9 points from four matches so far. Punjab FC has added Norwegian forward Mushaga Bakenga this season. Bakenga, 32, has a wealth of experience playing in Norway and across Europe. His association with Manchester City star striker Erling Braut Haaland has been special.

In a recent chat with ISL, Bakenga revealed a number of personal details about his compatriot Haaland, giving fans a glimpse of the forward’s off-field personality. Although the two never played together at Molde FK, Bakenga and Haaland met several times over the years.

“Actually, I have known Haaland since he was very young,” Bakenga said. He is a very nice and humble person. The last time I met him, he was young and he asked me for a picture. He is very different to the way the football world sees him. But, his personality on the field is completely different. So, he is a completely different person on and off the field. Even in Norway, he’s like a mystery, and people love that mystery!’

‘I want to help the team get better’

Before joining Punjab FC, Bakenga played for Cypriot club Apollon Limassol and had a stint in Asia with Japanese team Tokushima Vortis. Now, the forward is enjoying the new experience in India. Bakenga said, ‘I wanted to experience a new culture, this is the reason for coming to India. I’ve always been interested in this part of the world and it was a big reason for me and my wife to move here. I’ve read a little about it, but I wanted to come here without any preconceived notions, as unprepared as possible, so I could experience it for myself.’

Punjab FC missed the playoffs last season, but this time they are determined to make it to the top six. The team has performed very well in the initial weeks, scoring six goals and conceding only two goals. Bakenga is also focusing on his personal development, but his primary goal is to improve the team’s performance. He finally said, ‘My goal is to help the team improve and I also want to do well individually. I hope to achieve my goals this year.

Punjab FC will next face Chennaiyin FC on October 31 at 7:30 pm (IST) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The Indian Super League will be live streamed for free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and Sports18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Apart from this, Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2 and Sports 18 – Khel will also telecast select ISL matches live.