It has taken a while but now the deal is done - IF Sylvia has recruited national team star Brent Rahim - with merits from Scottish and English league football. His most recent club address was the Scottish Falkirk, and on Monday night the club's sport directors in Bollspelaren presented the new prospect.
Yes, it could be an exciting fall for IF Sylvia. Brent is going to strengthen the team in its hunt for the series victory. On his resume the 27 year-old has among other things over 50 national matches (4 goals) for TT. He is a central midfielder with defensive capabilities.
"A central midfielder was the top item on "Bajens" list. It was at that position that we were the most vulnerable", relates the clubs director Jojje Karathanasis who, together with Bengt Karlberg, has worked on the deal for nearly a month. "It's not going to ruin Sylvia's economy", he maintains. "It was made possible by a group of 10 local businesses that banded together to sponsor us."
Brent Rahim is a well-qualified player. Clubs he's played on: Falkirk (Scotland -Aug-03 - May 05), Northampton Town (England -Jan 03 -Jun 03), West Ham United (England - 15-Aug 02 - Jan 03), Sofia Levski (Bulgaria) and Joe Public (Trinidad). He was named Falkirk FC's "Young Player of the Year" in 2003/2004.
Rahim comes to Sylvia as a free agent. "There are really two reasons why I chose to accept Sylvia's offer. Part of it is that the club is small, personal and familiar. It hadn't been going too well for me recently in Scotland [among other things an injured right knee], so naturally I hope to get more playing time here", he says.
He describes himself as a technical player with defensive qualities. "I don't know that much about Swedish football", he admits. "But what I've seen I like. In contrast with English and Scottish football, which is more physical and has more long balls, it's more about passing. One has more time and for a player like me who likes the short pass game, it's an excellent
fit".
What do you know about Sylvia?
"Not that much", he admits with a smile. "I saw the end of the match against Vasalund last Sunday and liked what I saw. Also, I know that Sylvia is a club with a long tradition of making to the upper levels of the series and has ambitions to get there again."
What's the biggest difference between English and Swedish football?
"It's less physical, and one gets more time with the ball."
What qualities do you possess as a football player?
"I'm a fairly good physical player", he says smiling. "And so I like "box play".
Brent Rahim is on his way out to his new teammates at Bollspelaren's pitch. He hopes that he can make a difference in the hunt for the series victory, as do the directors.
"We have a contract through October and possibly up through the Superettan. After that, we'll look at other solutions. If we decide we want to keep him, there's an option possibility - as well as other solutions", says Karathanasis slyly. "But one thing is certain - if he's great we're going to do all we can to keep him here".
Brent Rahim may be ready to play as early as this weekend for the away match against Bollstanäs.