The 2019 season brought with it a number of new faces up front and for first-year forward Arthur Bosua, a chance to make a mark in a new-look Charleston attack. In his rookie season, Bosua scored six goals to go along with forty-two shots, both good for the second-highest totals on the team. Bosua’s successes on and off the field should have the Battery faithful feeling ready for a strong 2020 season from Bosua.
There is no shortage of personality with our six-foot-three target man as we sat down with the not-so-superstitious Bosua in this week’s Behind the Black and Yellow.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Dix Hills, NY/ Johannesburg, SA
Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: I need headphones when I am traveling. I have a playlist for pretty much all of my moods. I also need my toiletry bag with me. Personal hygiene was drilled into my head from a young age, remember to floss kids!
Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I honestly don’t know. I have my degree so that will most certainly help. I have been striving to be a professional soccer player since I was a boy. Obviously soccer won’t last forever and there are a lot of other fields and industries I could see myself in. Consulting has always interested me as a first job because the exposure in many cases can be very beneficial. I have also thought about getting involved in startups or tech companies.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The best advice I have received has come from my father and mother. My dad has always told me that someone else is out there working harder than me. Being productively paranoid is the result of that advice. A lot of people don’t know this but I almost gave up on my dream of playing before I came to Charleston. I had been working hard for months to get back from two injuries that kept me out for almost a year and the pressure of finding a job after graduating was starting to get to me. Before I flew down here, my mom told me I need love every second of it or else what’s the point and that really inspired me to perform and eventually sign.
Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: I would have to go with Philip, my roommate. The dance moves don’t come out often but when they do it’s groovy. I would personally like to see a dance-off between Phil, AJ, and Nicque!
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: I would love to be an animal shapeshifter. I could live in extreme conditions and experience everything these creatures are capable of. Some personal highlights would be diving as a Peregrine Falcon and squading up with dolphin homies as we ride some waves.
Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: I think olives are very overrated. They really aren’t that good and are in way too many salads and drinks.
Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: The best purchase I have made this year has to be my calendar. Planning my week in a time like this is very important.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: My biggest pet peeve is seeing people texting on the highway, touching cardboard with dry hands, and fruit that goes bad in less than 48 hours for some mysterious reason. People who play their music out loud in public areas with awful little phone speakers also grinds my gears. ALSO, not a big fan of when people use the word “like” in a sentence over 3-4 times.
Q: Who takes the most selfies?
A: It’s between Angelo, Paul, and Nico for me. All have quality content though.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My parents. They moved to a whole new country with 4 little kids and started over for our future. That sacrifice is something that will always stick with me. It puts everything into perspective for me.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Wayne Rooney. The man is a legend. His attitude is amazing, all about the result. I think I’ve watched every highlight tape made about him.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.
-Micheal Scott, The Office
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: I would be right here playing soccer at patriots point with a packed house.
Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Drops of Jupiter, absolute banger and everyone else will likely get involved so my wonderful voice will not be heard.
Q: Which Harry Potter is your favorite,( book or movie)?
A: Wowwwww, this one is tough. I am about to start a marathon but I would have to go with Goblet of Fire. The movie is epic as it gets and Emma Watson is in it so what’s not to love!
Q: If you had to choose one teammate to survive on a deserted island with, who would it be?
A: I would probably have to go with AJ just because the man is a guru when it comes to fishing and we get along well. We would turn that island into a 5-star resort if anyone ever finds us.
Q: What do you miss the most about South Africa?
A: The game parks are what I miss most. No other time am I up at 4 am and happier to do so. Looking for and seeing animals in the wild is special. The landscapes aren’t too bad either.
Q: What is the best dish you make?
A: My shrimp lo mein is pretty fire. My Peanut butter sandwiches have the best ratio of peanut butter to bread out there.
