Bryant Bilongo made a major impact when coming off the bench at Reading with the left-back deployed as a striker for 10-man Bristol Rovers
There’s a lot to admire about Bryant Bilongo, and that’s even before he steps onto the field. The left-back is known for his trademark wide smile and his habit of staying positive. While the 23-year-old’s journey as a League One player at Bristol Rovers hasn’t been easy, he’s enjoying every moment.
Bilongo was announced as the fifth of 16 summer signings and quickly became a fan favorite during his first interview, promising to fully enjoy “being a Rovers player” and to give fans “plenty to smile and sing about.”
Four months on, Bilongo has rotated in and out of the lineup, yet he’s managed to exceed expectations on the field, especially given he arrived as a relatively unknown player. His debut was unforgettable: he scored the winning goal against Northampton Town on opening day. With 10 more League One appearances under his belt, he’s firmly established as a Football League player.
“I’ve enjoyed it a lot. There have been ups and downs, but I expected that. I haven’t been in a situation like this before, with the team under pressure, but I’m grateful for every moment I can be on the pitch. I won’t complain.”
“I always want to help the team. I’d like to contribute more, but hopefully, as I get more games, I’ll make even more of an impact.”
Bilongo was referencing Rovers’ recent 1-0 loss at Reading, where they played most of the second half with 10 men after Shaq Forde received two yellow cards. Rovers responded well, deserving at least a point for their effort.
Bilongo didn’t start but came on in the 67th minute, positioned as a striker in a push to equalize. Although he only played 23 minutes plus stoppage time, he was instrumental in Rovers’ attacks, enduring two kicks to the face while pressing forward, and his final attempt, a header, was caught by Reading’s keeper Joel Pereira.
“I took a couple of hits to the face, but I didn’t feel it at the time. I just wanted the win. The fans appreciated my effort, which I’m so grateful for. I don’t know how Prom [Omochere] does it; it’s a tough role.”
“I’ve done it before. I scored in the first game of the season as a forward. I was hoping to replicate that today, but it didn’t faze me.”
“I’ve done it a few times in non-league. Obviously, this isn’t non-league, highest level I’ve ever played. But, the gaffer trusts me to do a job out there and wherever he puts me on the pitch, I’ll gladly run for the team. Jump, head, kick, whatever it is. As long as it’s for the sake of the team, I’m glad to do it.
“It was mixed emotions really,” the former Middlesbrough youth player added on the post-match feeling amongst his teammates. “We feel it’s the best it’s been in a while, especially away from home. We haven’t been the best away from home this season, but the feel of it, especially at the end of the game, with the fans backing us, even us all just believing in ourselves a bit more, pushing to get the win.
“It was a half half sort of thing, because we did lose the game and we are all gutted, but we just want to carry that momentum that we entered the game with onto the next games.”
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