Myziane Maolida has enjoyed a successful start to his Hibs career since joining on loan in January.
After finding himself out of favour at German side Hertha Berlin, the 25-year-old has flourished in Scotland, scoring six goals in twelve games, and looking like a player Hibs will do well to keep beyond the impending summer.
At Hertha, Maolida was banished to the B side, with their coach, Pal Dardai, claiming he didn’t train hard enough.
With his career requiring a swift turnaround, Nick Montgomery swooped in and offered the forward the chance of redemption at Easter Road.
A chance that Maolida has grabbed with both hands and the people closest to him have noticed a vast difference.
He said: “I spoke with my family and my friends. They said you are enjoying your football; you are happier. Also, your body language is much better.”
“The people (in Scotland) are very welcoming, I like the city, and the fans.”
Perhaps, the “bad trainer” tag that Maolida was tarred with by his former coach isn’t accurate at all, certain players just need the right environment and a manager who trusts them to deliver, which the forward certainly has.
Maolida is currently observing Ramadan, where those taking part don’t eat or drink whilst the sun is up, for professional football players – who cover vast distances weekly – this may prove challenging.
Not for the 25-year-old, he said: “I have done it for a long time…I did it already in Lyon, so it will not be difficult for me to make Ramadan, because it’s usual for me.
“You just have to wake up early in the morning to eat, and to be good for the day until the sun goes out.”
For Maolida, breakfast is typically at four o’clock in the morning, he then fasts until around six in the evening but remains at the peak of his powers.
He said: “Every time I do Ramadan, I feel very good. For me it’s not difficult, the most difficult it just not to drink.”
It would be difficult to disagree with him, Maolida scored in the recent 3-0 victory over Livingston whilst fasting and looked as quality as ever as Hibs put the game to bed within half an hour.
His recent form meant he retained his place in the Comoros national side for games against Uganda and Angola.
Following that, he will return to Hibs for the crucial closing stages of both the season and potentially his stint with the club.
No doubt Nick Montgomery will be interested in retaining his services, but a player who has accumulated transfer fees of 14 million euros in his career already will attract interest from all over, particularly after such a successful loan spell.
For now, Hibs fans will just enjoy him whilst he is here, and sometime in the distant future they, perhaps, will reflect fondly on Myziane Maolida’s short, but sweet, stay in the capital.
Masters Student currently studying Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University.
