Divin Mubama v Reading

Hammers under 23 prospect Divin Mubama – pronounced ‘Divine’ – has enjoyed a good pre-season and appears to be a player in which David Moyes has  faith up front.

He is considered one of the brightest prospects in the academy and has been playing in up age-groups on his journey through the schoolboy and youth ranks.

It was good to see him making runs at Reading which were aimed at him getting in behind the defence and of course he scored in the opening game of the pre-season against Servette in Switzerland.

His career could easily be taking off in a big hurry this season having been was top scorer for the U18s as a 16-year-old in 2020/21, earning England U17 honours and doing  the same last term, scoring 15 goals in just 20 appearances, when breaking into the Hammers’ U23 side and being capped by England at U18 level.

Moyes – as a result consulted with Academy manager Ricky Martin and his coaches, and as a result   invited Mubama to train with his squad in France.

The teenager remained with the first team at Rush Green and is now working alongside the returning internationals and is clearly looking to become challenger in a club which at the moment has just one striker

He declared: “I’ve enjoyed a lot. I just want to thank the Gaffer and all the staff and they’ve just trusted me and the lads have been very good and encouraging. I was just learning every day since we got to Évian, just learning every day.”

“I think it’s good for me, you know, being young, early on in pre-season is about getting loads in and getting fit and I’m just enjoying it.”

Whatever happens, I’m just going to be grateful and just take every step as it comes, not rush anything and not looking at anything too beyond, just living in the present moment and just keep going and do what I can.”

With players in the first team squad who have been down the same route as he is treading Divin sees a way forward at the club.

He added: “There is always a chance and a pathway and it’s up to you how much you really want it. I think there’s a pathway here and I’m going to keep working hard and whatever happens, happens.”

Obviously, I’m not going to look too far ahead and just keep doing what I can do in training and impress the gaffer and the staff and anything could happen, so I just can’t wait!”