Blaise Nkufo did not arrive at Sounders FC training Tuesday on a majestic white steed, nor was he clad in shining armor. Palms were not laid in his path and he did not receive the key to the city from the mayor.
The player that so many Sounders fans see as the club’s savior was simply in town to be introduced to the club and start looking for a place for him and his family to live.
Nkufo won’t join the club permanently until July, after the conclusion of Switzerland’s participation in the World Cup. However, with Seattle in last place in the Western Conference standings and coming off an embarrassing 4-0 loss at home, many wish Nkufo could start playing tomorrow.
Dressed in a dark blue adidas tracksuit, the imposing striker watched training from the sidelines while chatting with the Sounders higher-ups. Chatting on his cell phone, he donned a Sounders winter jacket when the weather turned chilly and carried a small black duffel bag, which might as well have been full of the hopes and expectations of Sounders Nation.
“Of course people have expectations but I think my expectation is higher than the fans or anybody here,” Nkufo said, with a noticeable accent from his homeland of French-speaking Democratic Republic of the Congo. “I know I have to work hard to show that I can do it because I have a name of course but I start from zero. I know it will not be simple but I’m ready. I’m ready.”
In light of Sigi Schmid’s comments bemoaning his team’s unwillingness to get into the penalty area against the Galaxy, a classic target forward like Nkufo will be welcomed. Fredy Montero is currently filling that role, but it as his early exit from the Galaxy game would attest, it’s not a perfect fit for him.
Nkufo, however, fits the description perfectly. Schmid complimented his new player’s ability to get open in the penalty area and score goals.
“He’s not the kind of player who is going to run away from people so he scores his goals by instinct and timing and understanding the flow of the game,” Schmid said.
After spending a few more days in Seattle, Nkufo will depart to join Switzerland’s World Cup training camp. The tournament itself lasts from June 11 to July 11, but Switzerland was drawn into a competitive group and may be finished as early as June 25, when they play their third and final group stage match against Honduras.
Seattle fans would be happy to see Nkufo ready for Seattle’s July 4 away match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, but Sounders GM Adrian Hanauer said the exact days of Nkufo’s arrival is not yet known. The player might take a few days to recover mentally and physically from the World Cup.
Hanauer also said that Nkufo and his family will be living in Seattle for the near future, something the player confirmed.
“I go with my family and I wanted to start a new life,” Nkufo said of his decision to play in MLS. “I think I said a few weeks ago that I wanted to immigrate to live in this country.
“For me, I’m still fit and I try to give the possibility to play three years more. I think I can do it but for me, I would like to live here and that’s why I came here.”
Seattle’s other option target forward, Nate Jaqua, could be close to a return. The 6-foot-4 forward returned to training today after surgery to clean out scar tissue and repair the fascia in his lower abdominal area. He was able to participate in short-sided scrimmages Monday as he gradually builds his workload.
Jaqua said he’s feeling good about his recovery and hopes to be in full training next week. If everything goes well, the player said he expects to be available for selection for Seattle’s May 22 match at home against San Jose.
Until then, Seattle must wait for Nkufo’s arrival. On a more permanent basis, that is.