After agreeing a new deal with the Sky Blues, Will Bapaga couldn’t contain his delight at extending his stay with Mark Robins side.
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene last year when he made his debut aged just 16 at the time against Bolton Wanderers in League One.
His rise from the Academy towards the first team picture has shown why City wanted to get the youngster tied to a new deal and he was happy to be able to sign on the dotted line.
“I’m delighted to sign a new deal.” Will said.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to play for Coventry and being a local lad that’s always been my dream.
“I enjoy it a lot here, it was an easy decision to make and like I said I’ve always wanted to play here, always growing up it’s what I wanted to do.”
Reflecting on a whirlwind of a 12 months, Bapaga has managed to make his football league debut, his Coventry debut and his first start all before his 18th birthday.
Some may think at such a young age it could be a lot to take, but Bapaga is relishing the chance to show what he can do.
“To be honest it has been a crazy year for me and as I’m a young lad, I still think it’s mad how I’m playing men’s professional football already.
“But I try to play with no fear, because If you show fear then people will see weakness so I’m not worried or scared when I’m playing.
“Every young player should have trust in their own ability and if they don’t then nobody will and you won’t play as well as you could.”
Mark Robins has continued to show faith in youngsters during his time at Coventry and throughout his career and Bapaga has been one of the ones to benefit from that, some he’s thankful for.
“I appreciate the Gaffer showing faith in me and it’s my responsibility to show him why that faith is justified, and I hope I’m doing that.
“All the coaches help me a lot, especially in possession because I usually like to dribble with the ball every time, but they want me to adapt into different types of positions and styles.
“I don’t want to be known as a one trick pony, so it’s good to learn new things and have different variations in my game.”
Unfortunately for Will, he is currently on the sidelines with a shoulder injury he picked up in the Carabao Cup second round tie with Gillingham.
The youngster spoke of his disappointment at the injury coming when it did, but vowed that he will be back and ready once more when he has recovered.
“I thought I was playing really well until I got the injury.
“I was enjoying it out there and I thought I could’ve got a goal so it was really frustrating to get the injury.
“Before that injury I wanted to keep pushing and it’s annoying it’s come when it has, but I’ll soon be back and ready to go again.”