It’s been a season of mixed emotions for Norwich City full-back Bali Mumba, who went on loan to Peterborough United in January and scored on his debut in the Emirates FA Cup, but suffered relegation from the Sky Bet Championship with the Posh.
Reflecting on 2021/22 with a level head following Norwich City Under-23’s recent 2-0 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, South Shields-born Mumba told canaries.co.uk about his development as a player in recent months.
“It’s been a learning curve,” he said, discussing his loan move. “That’s what I needed. It’s been a good experience, a lot of highs and lows, but that happens.
“It’s a good way for me to learn and I’ve taken something back with me, so I think it’s going to help me in the long run to come back kicking, get my head down and try to drive again and look to get in the team here.
“It could be the smallest thing ever, but you’ve got to know that it will help you in the long run. I believe I’ve learned something big and I’ll always carry the experience with me and use it to drive and look to do well in the future.”
In the short-term future, Mumba will hope to be a part of the U23s side who face Wolves again at Molineux Stadium in the play-off semi-final for promotion to Premier League 2 Division One.
“Right now, I’ll just finish off what I can do and get involved with the 23s and get minutes there to keep my legs ticking and really grind down and look to come back in good shape, ready to kick on and try to get into the team here,” he said.
“I’m glad to be back and getting involved, playing football again and doing what I usually enjoy doing.”
Mumba has been impressed with what he’s seen from his U23s colleagues, who finished fifth in PL2 Division Two this season.
“They’re all great players,” he said. “They’ve all got the potential, so there’s nothing bad I can say about the lads. They’re a great set of lads and good players on the pitch, so positives all round.
“We’re still in the play-offs and can try to get the win at their ground when we’ve got them again. It should be another good game and we’ll look to get a win there.”
