Sorba Thomas will have one very special fan among the tens of thousands of voices trying to roar Wales a big step nearer the World Cup finals this weekend.
It’s the woman who has made it all possible – his mother.
The Huddersfield Town wing-back is in line for his third cap against Belarus on Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium and then could add a fourth if he plays against Belgium three days later.
The two qualifiers are crucial to Wales’ hopes of finishing second in their group, but an extra incentive for Thomas is that his mum, Gail, will be in the crowd.
It’s down to her that the 22-year-old, who was born in London, earns Welsh qualification as she is from Newport.
This will be the first time the proud mum is there to watch her son in a red shirt after viewing his two previous caps on TV and Sorba says: “She said she was standing up for most of the away matches last month as she was so nervous and excited.
“She’s going to be at both of the upcoming games. It’s going to be really special for her as it will be the first Wales matches she’s been too.
“My mum’s different to most mums.She likes to be in and amongst the crowd as she loves to feel the atmosphere.
“I think she had a massive shock when she came to Huddersfield to watch me play and she was in a corporate box and everything.
“Particularly, to be next to all the Wales fans, too, it will help her make even more memories.”
Thomas – who was born in London and previously on the books of West Ham as a youngster – has already proven that nationality and a sense of belonging can often be gained from parents or grandparents.
In his case, his mother’s enthusiasm for Wales and her son’s heritage sent him on a journey that resulted in him this week training with his idol, Gareth Bale.
The Wales captain was out injured when Sorba made his debut against the Czech Republic last month and also when he followed that up with a cap against Estonia.
“I was starstruck again when I first met Gareth Bale,” he admits.
“He’s a top top person and a top top player. We’ve had quite a few conversations already. I was asking him about his time playing with Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
“I was also watching him in training and looking out for some things to add to my game.
“He’s a massive legend for the whole country and I aspire to be just like that.”
