Philippe Clement has provided a candid and insightful look into Hamza Igamane’s impactful but brief time at Rangers, highlighting the Moroccan striker’s incredible journey from poverty to professional football stardom. Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, Clement painted a picture of a player with a remarkable hunger to learn, a stoic demeanor, and an unwavering focus on the game itself, unburdened by material desires.
A Diamond in the Rough 💎
Clement, the manager who brought Igamane to Ibrox last summer for a reported £1.7 million, revealed that the young striker arrived with a “raw” talent, lacking the formal training of a European academy. “He played a little bit like he would with friends at school,” Clement said, but quickly noted the player’s natural technical and mental qualities. Igamane’s progression under Clement was swift and significant, particularly in the tactical aspects of his game. He developed physically, excelling in duels, and demonstrated impressive stamina and speed.
One of the most striking challenges Igamane faced was the language barrier. He spoke no English and only limited French, yet Clement praised his intelligence and thirst for knowledge, which allowed him to bridge the communication gap. “He had a lot of intelligence and a thirst to learn,” Clement stated. This determination to improve, despite the hurdles, was a hallmark of Igamane’s character.
Unwavering Composure and a Fearless Mentality 💪
Perhaps the most compelling part of Clement’s account is his description of Igamane’s temperament. The striker, who was sold to Lille for £10.4 million after just one season and 16 goals, was never fazed by the pressure of playing for a club of Rangers’ magnitude. “He was never afraid, never nervous,” Clement said. He recalled Igamane’s first start in a high-pressure Europa League match, where he scored two goals and provided an assist but showed no emotional reaction.
“He was all the time on an equilibrium, calm, smiling,” Clement explained. This remarkable composure, the former Rangers boss believes, stems from the striker’s humble beginnings. “We saw that he had escaped poverty thanks to football and he profoundly loved that, material things don’t interest him very much.” Igamane’s focus wasn’t on the trappings of success, but on the pure joy and opportunity that football provided, a sentiment echoed by Igamane himself in a separate interview.
A Successful but Sour Exit 📉
Igamane’s departure from Rangers was not without controversy. It’s been widely reported that he fell out with new head coach Russell Martin and refused to come on as a substitute in a match against St Mirren, claiming injury. This incident, while tarnishing his final weeks in Glasgow, does not seem to diminish Clement’s admiration for the player. The Belgian’s insights shed light on the incredible journey of a young man who used football as a vehicle to escape hardship, showcasing a powerful story of resilience, dedication, and a love for the game that transcended his circumstances at
Rangers.
