Get To Know physical centre-back Ibane Bowat, who is looking to push for Under-23s football next season.
DOB: 15.09.2002
Place of Birth: Kingston upon Thames, London
Position: Centre-back
Height: 189cm
Weight: 83kg
Boots: Adidas Copa
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I’m quite a physical centre-back and feel I’m calm on the ball. I’m strong and quick and I’ve got a good left foot, which often helps in terms of playing the ball out from the back. Passing is something I’ve definitely been working on at the training ground. I’ve been trying to implement it into my game this season and it’s proven to be quite effective.
I’m still focused on improving areas of my game. For example, managing the back line, winning my aerial battles etc. If I step up to the U23s or ever end up out on loan, I’ll come up against bigger, stronger opponents so I want to keep working on this area. I also keep on working on my communication with the defence and the rest of the team.
How did you first get into football and what route did you go down to get to where you are today?
I started playing at the age of four. I used to go down to the park with my dad and brothers. We actually started out playing ‘piggy in the middle’, with my dog trying to chase it around!
I played at a few grassroots clubs before being picked up by Chelsea from U6 level. I later left Chelsea as an U12 and became slightly discouraged and disheartened, so I took a little break from football and began playing rugby. I played for Harlequins and for my county but soon went back to football because I was missing it. I watched games on TV and started missing those moments that I felt when I was younger.
I played for a few more grassroots teams before being picked up by Fulham at the start of the U16s season. It’s been going really well, I’ve improved and I’m looking forward to carrying on my journey at the club.
You’ve represented Scotland at Under-19 level. What was your initial reaction when you first heard that you’d represent your country?
It was an honour to be given the opportunity to represent Scotland and it was a great experience playing with new lads and new coaches and I’m looking forward to hopefully making more appearances with them.
What are your aims/objectives for the next year?
For me, I’m aiming to become a regular starter for the U23s next season. If I can later creep up towards the First Team, that would be ideal. Of course, my ultimate aim is to play for the First Team for Fulham and I understand that there are steps I need to take to get there. The next one for me is regular PL2 football.
Away from the pitch, do you have any guilty pleasures/hobbies?
I just do pretty normal stuff to be honest! Listen to music, see friends, go out every now and then, but I live quite a boring life! I’m very busy at Fulham so don’t really have the time for more interesting hobbies.
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite TV Programme: Prison Break
Footballing Hero: Virgil Van Dijk
Favourite Other Sport: Basketball
Favourite Food: Jerk chicken with rice and peas
Favourite Musician: Biggie Smalls
Personal Ambition: To win a World Cup
Huw Jennings, Academy Director:
“Ibane is a pacey left sided defender who has made very encouraging progress this season. Ibane qualifies to play for a variety of countries including, France, Cameroon and Scotland, who he represented in Season 2019/20.”
