Njongo Doding Priso is in no hurry to make a decision on his future as his towering impact for AEK Larnaca this season has significantly strengthened his prospects of continuing his career outside Malta with Bulgarian club Levski Sofia and Cyprus giants Anorthosis Famagusta keeping a close eye on the Cameroonian winger.
Having forged a reputation as one of the most exciting foreign players in Maltese football during his time with Msida St Joseph and later with Valletta, Priso joined AEK Larnaca on a season-long loan last summer.
The 22-year-old took a while to find his feet at AEK Larnaca but, as the season moved on, he not only forced his way into the first team but went on to establish himself as one of their key players.
His progress went a long way towards justifying the faith of Dutch coach Ton Caanen and Jordi Cruyff, the AEK Larnaca technical director, who, having been impressed with Priso’s talent during their one-year stint with Valletta last season, were instru-mental in completing the winger’s loan signing.
“Moving to AEK Larnaca on loan was a great opportunity for me,” Priso told The Times from Cyprus.
“I was happy with Valletta but the chance to try a new league in a new country encouraged me to accept the proposal to join AEK Larnaca.
“I’m happy with my first season here... I’ve been involved in almost all matches. Honestly, it was quite easy for me to settle at AEK Larnaca because I already knew the coach (Caanen) and Jordi ...they were with me at Valletta last season.
“They really made it easy for me to integrate with my new team-mates and adapt to the football and lifestyle in Cyprus.”
Priso feels his experience in Cyprus has made him a better player.
“My game has improved a lot in the last 10 months,” Priso said.
“Getting regular first-team action at this club is a huge challenge because we have a large squad. There’s a big competition for places and you have no chance of playing if you don’t work hard and perform well week in week out. Here, I had to prove myself all over again.
“There are 18 foreign players in the AEK Larnaca squad alone, so that gives you an idea of how difficult it is to keep your place in the team.”
Fourth in the league with 42 points, AEK Larnaca, who also have former Malta defender Luke Dimech on their books, have been punching above their weight this season and Priso is determined to help the club qualify for the Europa League.
“AEK are not regarded among the big clubs in Cyprus but we’ve been among the top teams in the league this year,” Priso said.
“Our objective at the start of the season was to finish in the top six but we made a terrific start to the season and managed to stay in the top part for most of the campaign.
“At one stage, we were as high as second but we are now fourth. Our aim is a top-three position and qualify for Europe.”
As Priso approaches the end of his one-year loan deal with AEK Larnaca, there have already been reports that Valletta are keen to retain the winger for next season.
Although interest from foreign clubs will surely appeal to Priso, his attachment to Valletta means that he will always leave the door open for a return to the Whites.
“Everyone knows that Valletta are close to my heart,” Priso reflected.
“That’s why I visited Malta last month because I wanted to meet the Valletta players and the president.
“I’m happy that Valletta are very close to winning the league title. They have a very strong team.
“With regards to my future, I have a number of options.
“I know that the AEK Larnaca administration are very happy with my performances for the team. I’ve also been told that Levski Sofia and Anorthosis are ready to offer me a contract and there’s also the option of returning to Valletta. At the end of the day, I’m still contracted to Valletta and you could phone me tomorrow and I could tell you that I’m going back to Valletta.
“It’s still early to say where my future lies.
“At the moment, I’m just focusing on doing well for AEK Larnaca and help the club’s bid to qualify for Europe.”