After realizing dream of being drafted in MLS, Omar aspires to help lead Wanderers rebuild and beyond
Mo Omar says he likes to live in the moment, good or bad.
And there’s moments that stand out if you peruse his footballing CV: leaving his family to attend Berkshire College; captaining Notre Dame to the NCAA Tournament Final Four; being drafted in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft; signing his first professional contract with the Halifax Wanderers.
He’s achieved a lot for a 24-year old kid who grew up in Toronto, the youngest of three sporty brothers.
When you speak to Omar, he’s cool and focused, seeing the positive in situations that might cause other athletes to wonder what if, like the conditions which led to him missing his shot with the Colorado Rapids, the MLS club that drafted him.
“Honestly, that was something I always dreamed of, being drafted in the first round of the MLS draft,” said Omar when asked about the trajectory of his career. “I thank God I was able to achieve that, which was an unbelievable moment for my family and I.”
Due to a bout of COVID-19 and scheduling issues, Omar missed the first two and a half weeks of training camp. Colorado was ultimately unable to offer him a contract.
“That obviously played a big role in me not remaining with them but I was grateful for that opportunity and experience to be with them for a good amount of the preseason and to learn so much,” he said.
Now in his second year with the Wanderers, Omar said he is concentrated on being the best version off himself on and off the pitch.
“At the end of the day, I’m someone who wants to learn and someone who’s eager to play as much as I can because I do believe I can help this team achieve great things,” he said.
(Credit: Trevor MacMillan/HFX Wanderers FC)
A new campaign
It’s hard to believe but Omar is one of only a handful of players remaining from the Wanderers 2022 campaign.
By virtue of his experience last season, Omar said he feels the responsibility to set an example. The coaching staff have recognized his hard work by naming him part of the leadership group alongside Ryan James and captain Andre Rampersad.
“I’ve always been someone who likes to hold themselves to the highest of standards,” explained Omar, adding he’s been picked as a captain at pretty well every club he’s ever been.
“Looking back at last year, it was a very up and down campaign, being part of it. There was a lot for me to learn that I’m able to bring to the group this year because we don’t have too many returning players, right? We want the guys to understand that last year wasn’t good enough and we’re really excited for this season,” he said.
It’s been a bit of a strange start of the season for both Omar and the club.
Omar has played both as a centreback and holding midfielder and is still adapting to head coach Patrice Gheisar’s new system. The club is also learning and has yet to register a win in six league matches this season, currently sitting with a record of 0-5-1.
For his part, Omar said he and his teammates are confident of the club’s direction although he admits the beginning of the season has been peculiar.
“It’s been . . . honestly, looking back at it so far, it’s been a bit strange starting the season with five ties. I’ve never really heard of a team doing that before,” he said. “But once we get that first win, we know a lot of good things will follow and we’ll gain some momentum. The group morale is positive, for sure.”
And he’s not worried about being penciled into one role or another; he is happy to play wherever the coaching staff wants him.
So far in Gheisar’s system, he said, the coaches view him as someone who can play a central midfielder role — as a sort of hybrid between a No. 6 and an 8 — or slot in at centreback.
“I do believe that both of those positions suit my player profile and who I am as a player on the field,” said Omar.
A leader’s role models
Be it at his youth clubs, the NCAA or the CPL, Omar has been recognized as a leader throughout his time in football. It started early but is something he’s tried to improve upon like any other skill.
“Since I was young, I’ve always embraced that role and really took it on with a sense of pride,” he said. “Being (in Halifax) now, being a (assistant) captain for the first time in a professional environment is a really big honour.”
And when asked what leaders he looks up to, Omar was quick to answer.
“In my life, I’ve always looked up to my mom. She’s my role model in everything she does for all the sacrifices she made in her life to put my brothers and I in the positions that we are in today,” he said.
It starts with being genuine in your interactions with people and it’s something that Omar tries to emulate on and off the pitch.
Looking towards the footballing world, Omar pointed to Rampersad as someone he tries to learn from, adding that leaders come in all ages and circumstances.
“He’s someone who always gives me pointers to improve my game as a leader and as a player,” he said.
Omar is the first to admit he still has lots to learn but he’s someone who’s committed to the process. His self-belief, like his leadership, is something that shines through.
“My goal as a player is to achieve the highest level of professional football I can. I do believe MLS or playing in Europe are definitely attainable and that’s always been my dream and my goal to continue,” he said when asked to reflect on his goals as a professional footballer.
But for right now, he’s only got one thing in mind.
“I definitely want to do what I can for Halifax and the CPL and all my focus is on our season right now. I’m not someone who likes to look too far ahead. I just want to live in the moment,” said Omar.
Editor’s Note: Mo Omar’s interview was conducted on May 19.
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Wanderers FC
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