Hervin Ongenda (30 years old), the attacking midfielder from FC Botosanigave an interview to Gazeta Sporturilor in the team's training camp, held at the National Football Center in Mogoșoaia.
The French player is going through a very good form in the Superliga. He has 3 goals scored and 5 decisive assists in 18 games played, being one of the decisive men under the command of Leo Grozavu.
Although the objective of the club in 3rd place is to qualify for the play-offs, Hervin dreams of more. Ongenda is sure that Botoșani can fight for the title this season and dreams of writing history and winning the Superliga. The team from the region of Moldova starts 2026 just two points behind the leader Universitatea Craiova.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO. Hervin Ongenda, interview for Gazeta Sporturilor: “For me, the goal is to fight for the title”
– Hello, Hervin! Happy birthday and congratulations on your journey so far.
– Thank you! Happy birthday to you too!
– Do you expect to have such a path so far?
– At the beginning of the season we did not expect this. I'm the type of player who takes it one game at a time. But after we started winning, we felt we could achieve more. At the final of the first part of the championship, we can say: “Okay, we are here, so we can achieve more”.
– You, personally, are in good shape. What did you do to get in such shape this season?
– I think it's something mental. I also came late to the summer reunion, I was at home with my family. I did everything to feel better, more comfortable. After I came back, everything changed in my mind.
Hervin Ongenda and Florin Tănase // photo: Imago Images
– You feel good in this team, you always play well here. What is special about FC Botoșani?
– We are a family here. I know everyone, even in the city I feel ok.
– Have several years passed since you first arrived in Romania? Do you remember what impressions the city of Botoșani left you, but also Romania?
– My first impression? I was surprised. When you are outside the country, people generally talk bad about Romania. When I came I was surprised. I said, “Oh, so that's what it looks like?” For me, it's good here, everyone is nice, they help you. For me, these are the most important things
– So it's better than you heard.
– Yes, for sure.
– What is your personal goal, as well as the team's goal this season?
– For me, it's to stay up, to fight for the title. We are in a position where we can do it. Every top team wants to fight for the title. I think we have to fight them.
159 matcheshas Ongenda at FC Botoșani: he scored 17 goals and provided 21 assists
– In addition to Botoșani, you also played for a Romanian team, Rapid. You didn't stay there long. What happened?
– I didn't play, this happened. If I talk about the club, I can say that I was happy there. For me, it's one of the biggest in the country.
