Marinho Manga is relishing the prospect of facing his former club Cardiff Dracs as Penybont prepare to meet them in the Welsh Cup Round of 32.
The midfielder could come up against the side where he spent three years at when he joined in 2023, having swapped the colours of the Dracs for those of Penybont this summer.
The draw has also set up a reunion Nana Baah brought him to Cardiff Dracs. Baah, who played an important role in Manga’s time at the club, while also being his manager when he played for Treharris Athletic Western.
‘I thought they were pranking me’ – Manga reacts to Cardiff Dracs reunion
With a break from the Cymru Premier schedule making way for Welsh Cup action, Penybont’s clash with Cardiff Dracs has given Manga an unexpected opportunity to face his former team.
Speaking about his reaction to the draw, he revealed that it took a message from teammate Ethan Cann to make him realise the reunion was actually happening.
“I couldn’t believe it. I think Canny (Ethan Cann) dropped me a message saying, ‘I think we’re playing against Dracs.’ I said, ‘Nah, you’re pranking me.’
“But then, as I got on my phone and saw it, I couldn’t believe it.”
Manga admitted he had already been winding up some of his former teammates after discovering the fixture, although he conceded it might not have been the wisest move.
“I think I messaged a few of the boys telling them that I’m going to smash some of them, which is not really a smart thing to say as some of them are slightly bigger than me.”
Despite the friendly threats, it is the opportunity to share a pitch with familiar faces again that Manga is most looking forward to.
He added: “I just can’t wait to see some of the boys: the likes of Shirley (Sam Cawley), Bridgey (Luke Bridgeman), Caz (Efu Kazadi) and Dylan (Dylan Amin).
“I played with them for several seasons, so I think I would love to share a pitch with them again.”
There is, however, one uncertainty ahead of the cup tie, with Manga hoping an injury in the sides most recent win over Caernarfon Town will not prevent him from featuring.
“Hopefully my injury is not too bad enough so I can play, so fingers crossed.”
Nana Baah played key role in bringing Manga to Cardiff Dracs
The reunion also carries extra significance because of the relationship Manga shares with Nana Baah, the manager who originally helped bring him to Cardiff Dracs.
Manga revealed that Baah personally contacted him when he was considering taking the job, asking whether he would be interested in making the move.
He recalled: “When he did get the job from Dracs, I think he called me saying, ‘Listen, I’m thinking of going for this job. If I get it, would you come?’
“I said, ‘Of course I would.'”
What followed was a spell at the club that left a lasting impression on the midfielder, who quickly developed a strong connection with the people behind the scenes.
After spending three years at the club, Manga highlighted the contribution of Darren Buttle and those working behind the scenes, as well as the wider support he received.
“I really fell in love with the club for the three years I played in there,” he said.
That relationship has continued beyond his departure, with Manga revealing that people connected to Cardiff Dracs still make the effort to follow his progress at Penybont.
He added: “Some of them still come to support me. Buttle speaks to me almost every other week asking me;
“‘How are you doing? How is Penybont going?’ He’s always encouraging me.”
Away from his playing commitments, Manga also remains involved in helping coach children alongside Nana Baah through Raisethebaah, continuing his connection with the community and the development of young footballers.
Manga hopes Penybont can spoil the party for his former club
While there will undoubtedly be plenty of familiar faces and conversations when the two sides meet, Manga knows the priority will be helping Penybont progress in the Welsh Cup.
His affection for Cardiff Dracs is clear, but there will be no shortage of motivation to get one over on his former teammates.
Having spent several seasons with the club, he will know plenty about the opposition, making the encounter an intriguing one for both sides.
And despite looking forward to catching up with former teammates and those who supported him during his time in Cardiff, Manga has made his hopes for the outcome perfectly clear.
“Hopefully, we get the win.”
