Sodje has been in inspired form in the first month of the new season, notching up five goals so far – including a superb hat-trick in last weekend’s impressive 3-1 win away at Liverpool.
It was the latest positive result for what is a new-look City Under-18s squad this term.
As well as a new head coach in the shape of Vicens who has moved up from his role as number two for the past two seasons, the majority of the players – including Sodje – have progressed from our Under-16 ranks.
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And the striker believes that sense of togetherness and unity amongst the players has only helped the squad hit the ground running so far this term.
“I am very pleased with the way things are going. It has been a good start to the season, and I think we’re playing well,” Sodje declared.
“We’re all very confident and we are all looking forward to the United game. We’ve been buzzing about it all week and we can’t wait to play.
“We trust each other, and I think that shows in the way we are playing.
“A few of us played some games for the Under-18s last season but, for the majority of us, we’ve all moved up over the summer.
“I think there is a good understanding there. We are all aware of where each other is on the pitch as we’ve been playing together for a long time.
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“I’m enjoying it big time. It’s more competitive and I’m really enjoying the league structure of it too.
“We’re all proper enjoying it – we all want to win and to win the league and that hunger also means we are working hard for each other.”
Last weekend’s victory over on Merseyside helped move City up into second place in the Under-18 Premier League North table on seven points from three games, with United a point behind in equal third having played a game less.
Sodje believes the dominant manner of our win at Liverpool means City will go into the derby full of belief.
Though he admits the fact that the current safety precautions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic will give the game a somewhat surreal atmosphere.
“The way we played at Liverpool means we’ve got a lot of confidence going into the game,” Tai added.
“The only sad thing is that we can’t have family and friends to watch at the moment because of the pandemic.
“It feels a bit weird playing games at the moment but we’re just trying to focus on our football.
“And we know what a big game it is against United being a derby so we’re all really excited.”
