Non-League and Academy football writer

FC Baresi player Stefan McKie kindly took the time to do a short post-match interview with me on Saturday afternoon, following his team’s 1-0 home defeat to Thurlow Nunn League First Division South title contenders, Clapton Community. This was a competitive league fixture, and I thought that Stefan, who had a good game for FC Baresi at left-back today, has so far had a really good season for Tufail Amjad’s FC Baresi side. 

Could you talk me through a bit about your background in football, prior to joining FC Baresi towards the end of last season?

Stefan: I started out in football at a grassroots football club called FAB, and then following on from my time there, I spent a year and a half at Cockfosters Reserves. That was my first time playing men’s football, and I mainly played at right-back for them. I tried to breakthrough into their first team, but I didn’t quite get the opportunity to do so, and so I left the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

After spending half of the 2024/25 season without a club, I joined FC Baresi towards the end of last season, and obviously I’m still at the club now.

How have you found your time at FC Baresi, so far?

Stefan: Last season was tough and good at the same time, with my form being a bit inconsistent. There was good moments and there was low moments, but this season has been the best football that I’ve played so far in senior football. I’ve been consistent this season, and I feel powerful and fit on the pitch. I just want to continue that and go game by game, and just see where it takes me.

What did you make of today’s league fixture with Clapton Community?

Stefan: Today was frustrating. Clapton are a good team, and they know how to put balls into the box at the right time and in the right areas. They know how to fight for every ball, play good football, and also manage games. So Clapton are quite professional in that sense. But, today we had our chances, and we just didn’t take them. When you don’t take your chances, you don’t really deserve to win games. However, man for man we are just as good as them, if not better, and although they are a good team it was a frustrating day.

What are some of your hopes for the rest of this season, with FC Baresi?

Stefan: I just want us to try and win every remaining game that we have left, during this season. We have a lot of quality in this team, and we don’t want to be looking back at the teams behind us in the table, so that’s why we’ve got to try and win our remaining league fixtures. If we win against AS London next Saturday and then find a bit of consistency, then it at least sets us up well for next season.

Who would you say is the best player that you’ve played alongside, so far?

Stefan: I would say that it’s between Marvin Hamilton and Ahmed Abdullah. I played with both players at the end of last season, and although they were both at the end of their playing careers, you could see the level that you have to be at, in order to be a professional footballer. Also, currently playing in the same team as Junior Appiah and Romuald Boco, who I play directly next to on the pitch, is a reward, as you have all of his experience and knowledge, and he talks you through games.