Kabia: “We’re Ready for a Massive Day at a Sold-Out Blundell Park”

Jaze Kabia says the Mariners must stay locked in and focused on the task ahead as they prepare for a huge final home league fixture against Swindon Town.

The forward, who recently reached the 20-goal mark for the season, is relishing the occasion but insists the squad remain grounded as they look to secure a play-off place.

Here’s everything he had to say ahead of Saturday’s clash…

On the mood after Tuesday night

Kabia admitted the squad are still riding the high of the dramatic late win at Cambridge.

“The vibes are high in the camp,” he said.

“They always are to be fair, but Tuesday night was a special win.

“The way we won it made it even better, but we know there’s a task ahead on Saturday that we need to focus on now.”

On staying grounded

Despite the emotion of that victory, Kabia says the group have quickly refocused.

“Yeah, for sure we’ve had to come back down to earth,” he said.

“But we’ve been doing it all season, win or lose.

“We’re a humble group, our heads are always down and we’re ready to work.”

On Tuesday’s battle

The striker felt the win showed another side to Town’s game.

“It was a tough game,” he said.

“Probably not as enjoyable to play in as it was to watch.

“But it was a proper graft and we showed a different side to us in how we can win games.

“That makes it even sweeter when you get the result.”

On reaching 20 goals

Kabia reflected proudly on hitting a personal milestone in his first Football League season.

“It’s amazing,” he said.

“It’s something I set out to do at the start of the season.

“People might have thought I was dreaming, but I’ve shown what I’m capable of.

“To be a 20-goal-a-season striker is a big thing, so I’m proud of that.”

On backing himself

Confidence, Kabia says, has been key to his success this season.

“You have to back yourself,” he said.

“There’s enough people who might not show that same confidence in you.

“But I’ve had belief in myself, and the group and staff have given me that as well.

“When you’ve got confidence, you can do special things.”

On his first EFL season

Kabia described his debut campaign in the Football League as everything he hoped for.

“It’s been amazing,” he said.

“It’s everything I dreamed of and more.

“To have 20 goals and to have played every game, I’m really proud of that.

“There’s been a lot of learning along the way, but I’ve loved every second.”

On Saturday’s opportunity

With a play-off place on the line, Kabia is excited for what could be a big moment for the club.

“It’s a massive game,” he said.

“Last home game of the season as well.

“What an occasion it would be to get the job done at home in front of our fans.”

On handling the occasion

Despite the excitement, Kabia insists the squad will approach the game with the right mindset.

“You’ve got to stay level-headed,” he said.

“Everyone is looking forward to it, but we know we’ve got a job to do.

“Once that’s done, then we can enjoy it.”

On Swindon’s threats

Kabia acknowledged the danger posed by the visitors, including the league’s top scorer.

“Aaron’s a top player,” he said.

“I actually know him, he’s from my area.

“He’s a great finisher and a big threat, so we’ll have to be ready for that.”

On a sold out Blundell Park

The forward was full of praise for the supporters ahead of another big occasion.

“The fans have been amazing since I came here,” he said.

“They’ve blown my mind, home and away.

“They’re a massive part of this football club and a massive help to us.

“We want to give back to them for everything they give us.”

On making it a special day

Kabia believes the atmosphere could play a huge role on Saturday.

“We need them loud,” he said.

“We need to make the place bouncing and make it uncomfortable for the opposition.

“It could be a special day.”

With anticipation building and everything on the line, the Mariners now turn their attention to Saturday, determined to deliver in front of a sold-out Blundell Park and take the next step in their season.

You can watch Jaze Kabia’s full pre-match interview below:

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