Salford City defender Haji Mnoga has been pleased with his first appearances at the club since joining on Deadline Day.
The Tanzanian international was released by Portsmouth over the summer after a season on loan at Aldershot Town. He made 37 appearances for Shots last season, where they missed out on the National League play-offs by just two points.
Mnoga made his debut for The Ammies as a substitute in the win over MK Dons, the first win for Karl Robinson’s side this season. They have claimed five points out of four matches with draws against Bradford City and Chesterfield.
His first start came in City’s EFL Trophy loss away to Wrexham, with the Welsh side claiming a late winner in what was a promising performance for both the defender and the League Two club. Robinson has shifted into using a back five in recent weeks, with former Huddersfield Town man Tom Edwards and Dan Chesters covering the right-hand side of defence.
Speaking to club media ahead of Salford’s game against Cheltenham Town this weekend, Mnoga reflected on his performance at Wrexham. He said: “I enjoy defending and I am probably lucky that I am a bit quick to be fair, because I think it gives people that security that they know that I will be there, and I was just really concentrating on the night on being a good defender.
“I enjoyed the game, enjoyed the minutes and playing with the lads, and I just want to push on to get more minutes now.”
Just one point separates Salford from Cheltenham, having played a game less than The Robins. Michael Flynn’s side have found their rhythm after a shaky start to this season, winning their last two against Newport County and Harrogate Town.
The Ammies have never beaten the Gloucestershire club, losing three times and drawing once since their first game exactly five years ago on Saturday. Last season saw The Ammies score their first-ever goal in this fixture, thanks to Callum Hendry in the EFL Trophy quarter-final.
Previewing the clash tomorrow, Mnoga added: “We’ve had a couple of night games now but I’m really looking forward to Saturday, hopefully I can get some more minutes and just keep pushing on from there.
