Oscar: If I could choose again, I would still come to play football in China.

Written by Zuo Rui In the thrilling match held at Yunnan Yukun's home stadium, Oscar Taty Maritu is the player who has won the "Best Actor" award the most times. On the night of July 3rd, he participated in four of his team's goals; although two were ruled out, he still assisted the team in overturning a 2-1 deficit and was once again selected as the best player of the match. In an exclusive interview with Football, the African young man, who ranks third on the Chinese Super League scoring chart, stated that he was merely fulfilling his duties as a striker.

◆ Football: Whether in the cup or the league, is scoring your primary objective?

Oscar: As a forward, scoring, assisting, and defending are all my responsibilities. Every striker wants to score more goals, but as part of the team, my main goal is to help the team win.

◆So far, you have scored 14 goals in total in the league and cup, which is two more than last season. How have you managed this?

I set higher demands for myself every season, and I believe the club does the same for me. In previous CSL seasons, I scored at most 10 goals in league and cup. Last season I surpassed that number. Being able to continue breaking through this season is inseparable from my extra training during the winter break and, even more so, from the help of my teammates.

◆Your 12 CSL goals this year are the first time you have reached double digits in the top league. What special meaning does this hold for you?

The new statistics have given me more confidence. I worked hard in previous seasons as well, but I never reached double digits. These 12 goals prove that as long as you keep working hard and improving, you will surely achieve your goals.

◆Among these 12 goals, four came from assists by Yonicha and three from Kleber. Do you have any special thanks for them?

First, I want to thank all my teammates at Yukun. We get along very well, and everyone is fighting for more victories. As for Yonicha and Kleber, I not only thanked them on the spot right after scoring, but I have also been trying to repay them through my actions. I am very happy to have provided assists to both of them. I don't always think about scoring myself. When I encounter difficulties and can't score, I will do my best to help my teammates score and help the team win.

◆From being a central pivot to a wide threat, how are you able to adapt to different attacking positions?

I have tried various forward positions since I started playing football as a child. After coming to China, from Yanbian to Xi'an and now, I can play as a left or right winger or as a central striker. Head coach Jordi noticed this when he was coaching Qingdao. This year, because we have Kleber, he placed me on the wing. So far, I have adapted fairly well to this change.

◆Have you felt that your shooting skills have become more refined this season?

Indeed. I haven't lost my ability to sprint, stop suddenly, or change direction, and looking at the data, my ability to seize opportunities has also improved. You know, sprinting at full speed into the penalty area and calmly taking a shot when receiving the ball at the goalmouth are two completely different things. I am glad that I have managed to balance both and have seen some results.

◆You have never missed a penalty in five attempts for Yukun. What is your secret?

Being able to convert all penalties in the last two seasons mainly comes from the confidence and experience I have accumulated from matches and training.

◆Football: Most foreign players come to the CSL after they have matured or become well-known, but you are the only one who grew up in China. What insights do you have?

Oscar: Before I went abroad, the future of my life was full of uncertainty. At that time, I received offers from other domestic clubs, and a Belgian team also wanted me. Only after coming to China did my career truly begin. I like the culture, the fans, the food here... The club treats me like family. In China, I have met many teammates and opponents, and I have even played against stars like Paulinho. If time could go back and I had to choose again, I would still come to China to play, learn, and grow here. If possible, I want to keep playing in China until I retire.

◆As the longest-serving active foreign player in the Chinese league, have you considered joining a team outside of China?

When I played for Cangzhou Mighty Lions in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the club faced financial difficulties. I received invitations from clubs in Turkey and Qatar, and a Korean club even sent representatives to China to meet me in person. Honestly, I was hesitant and wavered at the time, but after careful consideration, I decided to stay. As for now, I don't think about playing in other countries at all, because I have become increasingly accustomed to China, my family also likes China and Yuxi, and it's very comfortable here.

◆Back then, a group of Congolese teenagers came to Yanbian for a trial, but only you stayed in China and achieved success. Why?

Four of us came together, and soon afterward the others left. Before going abroad, they all came from youth teams or academies, whereas I had played for the first team and scored goals. In Yanbian, the coaching staff quickly noticed this difference, so I got opportunities soon. I didn't relax at that time; I knew I had to put in more effort than my peers to solidify this initial advantage and establish myself in China.

◆What are the other three doing now?

One played for a few years in lower-tier Portuguese leagues, another didn't make it in Belgium and changed careers, and the third suffered a serious injury in Yanbian, had surgery but his recovery was not ideal, and he left football two years later. They all left football too early, and I am the luckiest one.

◆The clubs you previously played for – Yanbian Funde, Chang'an Athletic, and Cangzhou Mighty Lions – have all dissolved. Does playing for Yukun make you feel more at ease?

In Yanbian, I entered the first team and started playing at a young age; I was also happy in Shaanxi, where I won the China League One Golden Boot; the early days in Cangzhou were pleasant, but the later wage arrears caused a lot of trouble for everyone. At Yunnan Yukun, the club's administrative, logistics, and service teams are all dedicated to supporting us, allowing every player to fully focus on their work. The club chairman also loves football very much; whenever he has time, he comes to watch training and matches, chats with us, and cheers the team on. Overall, after spending so long in China, my life in Yunnan is the most comfortable.

◆After eight years of tempering, you have reached the peak of your career. How does that feel?

I can never say I have reached the peak. After all, I miss some chances in every match, and my performance on the field is not perfect. Through post-match summaries and video analysis, I am very aware that there is still much room for improvement in my match experience and finishing in front of goal, so I will always maintain a learning mindset.

◆Football: Which star do you most want to emulate?

Oscar: Whether watching or playing football, Zlatan Ibrahimović is the one I learn from. I really like his personality, his playing style, and the way he influences games and motivates the team like a leader. I know many people admire Messi and Ronaldo, but for me, Ibra is the most worthy to emulate.

◆What do you say to yourself before each match?

I replay in my mind the details from recent matches that I didn't do well, reminding myself not to repeat the mistakes and strengthening the belief that "I can do better." Of course, before every match, I pray that our team will win—that's the most important thing.

◆Do you contact your family in Kinshasa after winning a match?

I contact my mother before and after every match. She gives me the greatest encouragement. Whenever we win, she is always the first to congratulate me; whenever we lose, she is the one who comforts me the most. Although I often share my joys and sorrows with relatives and friends, the person I contact most is always my mother.

◆ You are not yet 27. How do you plan your future career?

I think I still have a long time to play, so I plan to focus, maintain my form, and extend my career as much as possible. At the end of my playing days, I might transition to being an agent, just like my mentor and guide Zola. The Democratic Republic of Congo has plenty of football talent, but lacks guides and opportunities. I hope I can help them leave Africa and develop in China and other countries.

◆Many fans have come to know the Democratic Republic of Congo because of you and the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. What makes football different there?

It's not like Brazil where everyone can play football, but we have a lot of fans. During World Cup qualifiers, not only is the home stadium packed, but there are also 100,000 people gathering outside, singing and dancing. Football is the hottest topic in the whole country.

◆Among the DR Congo national team at the World Cup, which friends do you know?

I am only unfamiliar with four or five players on the team; the rest are all good friends, including Bakambu who once played in the CSL. Every winter break, we return to Kinshasa from all over the world, play football together, have meals together, and talk about the leagues we play in.

◆How do you view the performance of the DR Congo team in this World Cup?

I watched the live broadcast of the first group stage match, which ended in a draw with Portugal. For the later matches, to avoid affecting rest and training, I would watch replays after knowing the results. The Zaire team in the 1974 World Cup is too distant for us. Now, having experienced the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, in the future I will tell my children that we qualified for the World Cup again after 52 years, achieved a historic breakthrough, and after advancing from the group stage, we almost eliminated England!