Jaze Kabia says the Mariners must carry their momentum into the play-offs after producing a statement performance to secure their place in the Sky Bet League Two top seven with a thumping win over Swindon Town.
The striker took centre stage with a perfect hat-trick in front of a sold-out Blundell Park, but was quick to praise the collective effort as Town delivered on a huge afternoon.
Here’s everything he had to say following Saturday’s victory…
On securing a play-off place in style
Kabia was delighted with both the result and the manner of the performance.
“Amazing,” he said.
“I thought everyone, to a man, was unbelievable today.
“They didn’t have a clue what to do with us.
“We all knew the occasion, we all knew what was up for grabs, and we wanted to take that with both hands.”
On handling the pressure
Despite the significance of the game, Kabia says the squad approached it with calm confidence.
“It was quite a nervy atmosphere before the game,” he said.
“But in the changing room there was no nerves at all.
“We knew we were flying at the minute.
“We’re playing good football, out-running people and battering people.”
On the early penalty settling the game
Town’s fast start helped ease any tension around Blundell Park.
“That early goal settled everyone’s nerves,” he said.
“This place was packed out and bouncing.
“You need to give them something to shout about early doors and get them behind you.”
On going at Swindon from the first whistle
Kabia felt Town’s aggressive approach set the tone for the afternoon.
“For sure, you have to,” he said.
“We wanted to be on the front foot straight away.
“That’s what we did and everyone saw it.”
On his perfect hat-trick
The striker was understandably pleased after scoring with his left foot, right foot and head.
“I’ve had a few hat-tricks before, but not a perfect one,” he said.
“So it’s good to get one of them knocked out as well.”
On finally delivering the hat-trick he promised
Kabia revealed he had been backing himself for this moment all season.
“I’ve only been saying to the boys all season that I was going to score a hat-trick,” he said.
“They say you save the best till last and I saved it for the last home game.
“Thank God I got it today.”
On crediting his teammates
Despite taking the headlines, Kabia was quick to recognise the players around him.
“Obviously thank you to my teammates as well, because without them that’s not possible,” he said.
“It was more than just my goals today.
“You have to dig in and fight for the badge.”
On reaching 23 goals in his first Football League season
Kabia reflected on a memorable debut campaign in the EFL.
“It’s been a special season,” he said.
“But I want to finish it even more special.
“I want to give these amazing fans and this amazing club what it deserves.”
On confidence heading into the play-offs
The forward says Town fear nobody based on their current form.
“You can put anyone in front of us right now and we’ll give them a game, 100%,” he said.
“You’ve seen us against Swindon today and Cambridge on Tuesday.
“We believe in ourselves.”
On the supporters
Kabia ended by paying tribute to the home crowd after another memorable day at Blundell Park.
“These fans are amazing,” he said.
“We want to give them what they deserve.
“We’ll do everything in our power to get the job done.”
With confidence soaring and a play-off place secured, the Mariners now turn their full focus to the final stages of the season, determined to keep their momentum rolling.
You can watch Jaze Kabia’s full post-match interview below:
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