Gambian international defender Ousman Koli has again changed clubs just six months after joining NK Sencur to top flight NK Triglav, Observer Sports can confirm. In this latest move the former Steve Biko and Red Star FC player moved from third tier football in Slovenia to top flight football in the same country within a period of just 12 months.

This time last year Koli was playing with little known third tier club Radolmje before he joined NK Sencure where he was an ever present fixture whenever fit and available. He also helped the club into the semifinals of the Slovenian cup against allodds. Such has been the success story of one of the country’s hardworking players that the top flight Triglav couldn’t wait for the end of the season and came calling straight away in their quest to remain in the top flight football for another season at least.

In an earlier interview with Observer Sports while on holiday in the country during the festive Christmas period , Koli revealed that he was being chased by several top flight clubs in Slovenia. Though he failed to reveal the identity of the clubs at the time, the former Gambia U-17, U-20 and U-23 defender now confirmed that Triglav was indeed one of those clubs. He added that though there are clubs located on the top half of the table who also indicated interest in him and offered even better pay, he joined the basement side purely based on sporting matter.

In his own words: “I have finally changed clubs, I sealed a deal with Slovenian Prva Liga (1st division) side NK Triglav on the last day of the (January) transfer window. “As I told you on our last interview when I was in Gambia for holiday, the team was among other teams that have been following me since before I left to Gambia last December for holidays. They (Triglav) were on my neck, but its was really not an easy decision to make just because of the good relationship I had with my ex team NK Šencur... the coach, officials and the players were all grateful to me.

“These two teams were rivals when they were competing in the same league some years back and still that rivalry between them goes on and that has made it an even tougher decision for me to make. But as I talked to my coach before taking a decision, it was hard but at the end he realized and understood that I had to move on. He supported me on that and wished me all the best which I appreciated a lot because that coming from him means a lot to me.

“I joined the club because of playing time, which I needed at the moment and not money, because money comes later. Playing with the 1st team and being in the 1st eleven is great, sounds good. A lot of people asked me why I joined the club because they're at the bottom on the log. But I replied that, I came here to help the team so that they can stay in first league (prva liga) which they believed I can help them in, but we'll see when the championship resumes in March.

Come the second round, it doesn't worry me because I have trained with the team and played some test games with them, I believe that I can make a difference for the team on and off the field, and also believe that we can overcome andget out of this situation (be from the bottom team of the table). As we all know that, there is not enough time until the end of the season, I still believe that we have the materials, the power and the strength to get out of this situation and stay in the league, which will be Insha Allah.”

After a hectic one month pre-season at home soil in Slovenia, the club will briefly relocate to neighbouring Croatia next week for a one-week training camp where they will play two test games before heading back home and prepare for the first game on March the 4th against Maribor, a team currently playing in the Europa league and also the leaders with a massive 15 points ahead of the second placed team.

Concluding the marathon interview with Observer Sports, Ous Koli took the opportunity to thank his family and friends who have always been there for him. “I will also take this opportunity to thank my parents and family for their wonderful support in my career that also made it possible for me to keep the hard work and keep fighting for a better future.

MayAllah the almighty continue to guide you all and keep you in front of me always. With friends and fans, you all make everything possible, been there since day one and not encouraging me with money or anything but with the love you get for me and for the game, the prayers and support makes it easier and was worthy,” he said.