Portsmouth youngster Haji Mnoga is attracting interest from clubs, however, may get an opportunity with Pompey before a decision is made, according to reports from The Portsmouth News.
The 21-year-old is coming off a successful loan spell with National League side Aldershot Town, with manager John Mousinho wanting to see the defender in action during pre-season. With the League One club having limited numbers at centre-back, Mnoga could earn himself a place in the side.
Who Is Haji Mnoga?
Part of Pompey’s academy since the age of six, the Tanzania international has progressed through the ranks and became the second-youngest player to debut for the club at 16. With four loan spells over the last two seasons, Mnoga has racked up experience in the non-league, however, has yet to break into the Portsmouth squad.
A Season Of Two Halves
Starting his 2022/23 season featuring in cup games for Pompey, the versatile defender got a loan move to League Two side Gillingham late in the summer transfer window. Not knowing the nightmare to come, Mnoga got sent off 10 minutes into his debut with the club and only went on to play 71 minutes of football with the Gills.
Being recalled by Pompey, the international was prohibited to play for a third EFL club, so joined the Shots for the second half of the season. Getting to start consistently in the National League, Mnoga won the club’s Player of the Month twice in his limited time there and is wanted permanently at the Recreation Ground.
Writer’s View
Seeing what Portsmouth have in Mnoga before they make a decision is definitely smart business from the League One club. With limited players at the back, the youngster is capable of playing at centre-back or on the right and looks like a different player after finding confidence with Aldershot.
While people will look at his horrid time with his only EFL loan spell, the Gills were a mess at the start of the season. Mnoga is a Portsmouth product, so seeing a player progress so far will only create further pathways for more players.
