'This is what you play football for': Cork's Jaze Kabia aiming to fire Grimsby past Man United

Kabia's Grimsby host Ruben Amorim's United in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Jaze Kabia will spearhead Grimsby Town's attack against Manchester United. Pic credit: Jaze Kabia and Grimsby Town.

Jaze Kabia could be sharing a pitch with Bruno Fernandes tonight but the Cork man already shares something in common with the Manchester United captain.

“You see Bruno Fernandes miss one on Sunday as well, so it happens to the best players in the world. It’s just one of them, these things happen,” insists a relaxed Kabia ahead of their Carabao Cup second round clash at home to Ruben Amorim's side.

Unfortunately last weekend, almost 24 hours before Fernandes skied his penalty in United’s 1-1 draw away at Fulham, Kabia saw his own spot kick saved in Grimsby Town’s 1-1 draw away at Accrington Stanley.

It was just a minor blip in what has otherwise been an excellent start to life in League Two with Grimsby.

The recently turned 25-year-old did net his side’s goal on Saturday afternoon to make it three goals in five league games for his new club, who currently sit fourth in the table having yet to taste defeat.

“I can’t complain with those numbers,” adds the former College Corinthians and Douglas Hall forward.

“Hopefully it can continue like that. I’m loving it here, to be honest. I’ve settled in quite well. To get a few goals early on always helps you settle as well.

“The longer you go on without a goal you start to think about it more. But to take last year’s form into this year has been really helpful, so I’m really happy with the start I’ve made.

“It’s a good group of lads and the staff are amazing so it’s a good working environment.

“We’re unbeaten, we’re in the top four, we will take it game by game, but we want to be up there by the end of the season.

“When you have good players around you – that’s not saying that I didn’t previously – but when you have that extra bit of quality around you, it’s much better for a striker because you are going to get a couple more opportunities in the season.

“It’s definitely suited me and the system we play suits me so it’s a good fit and that’s why I’ve come here. I think it has worked out for everyone as of right now.”

It’s been a rapid rise for Kabia since he left Cork City following their relegation to the First Division in 2023.

Jaze had been hoping to follow in his father Jason’s footsteps by becoming a fan favourite at City, but he failed to find the net during his 13 appearances in all competitions for the Rebel Army.

“I’ll be honest, nah. Not really,” admits Kabia when asked if he still keeps an eye on City’s results.

“I’ve just kind of been in my own bubble since I left there and have just been focusing on myself.

“I’d be lying if I said I did (follow City’s results), to be honest. It was just one of those things (why it didn’t work at City), it’s just football really.

“It didn’t obviously end up being the best year, but it was just one of those things. I just stepped away from there and focused on myself.

Jaze Kabia after Cork City's defeat in the SSE Airtricity Men's Promotion / Relegation play-off. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

“I’ve been loving life since I just…. come back across to England. It (City) is my hometown club. Same with Cobh Ramblers. I love Cork, it’s my home. I will always love Cork. I wanted to do my best when I was at both clubs, to represent my own county but sometimes things are just out of your hands.

“It’s not the end of the world and obviously I have moved back up the ladder since then. So that’s that.”

A prolific spell with Truro City, following a short spell with Clyde in Scotland, saw Kabia bounce back in style as 16 goals in 44 games helped them land the National League South title.

It also helped him secure a transfer and climb up two divisions to join the Mariners in League Two, with promotion to League One their target.

But before then he has even bigger fish to fry with Manchester United coming to town when Kabia will be aiming to impress the 10 family and friends he has given tickets, most of whom are travelling over from Leeside.

Kabia’s phone has been “buzzing” since the draw took place with messages arriving from his United supporting friends back home, whom he’s hoping to silence on Wednesday night given his own allegiances.

“No, no. I’m not a Unted fan, I’m actually an Arsenal fan. If there wasn’t enough (of an incentive) already! That’s the dream third round draw, Arsenal at the Emirates," laughs Kabia, who also scored in the win over Shrewsbury Town in the previous round .

“I’m really looking forward to that game. It’s a big occasion. You are playing against arguably the second biggest team in world football so to draw them in the cup is remarkable. It’s going to be a really special night, and hopefully we can nick something.

“At the end of the day, once that whistle goes it’s just 11 men versus 11 men. We’re all going on the pitch with that same ambition; we’re going to try and win the game.

“You never know. In these cup competitions, anything can happen. You predict that they might give us a bit of respect and put out a strong side after their start, but you just don’t know.

“This is what you play football for, these moments and to test yourself against the best players and see where you are at.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself against big, world class players that I can gauge the level and see where I am at in my football career and how far I’ve come.”

And how far does he think he can still go?

“My plan is to keep my head down and see how far that takes me. If that’s the Premier League, amazing. If it’s that’s the Championship, amazing. If that’s League One or League Two, that’s still good. It will still be a good career.”

And if Grimsby are awarded a penalty tonight, or if they manage to take United to a shoot-out?

“That’s no issue at all, I’d still back myself to score.”

As he should, it’s taken him this far.