The Rwandan eyeing Champions League history against Man Utd

Joy-Lance Mickels has been a Manchester United fan since childhood, and on Thursday the Rwanda international will fulfil a lifelong dream.

The 32-year-old is expected to start up front when Azerbaijani side Sabah travel to the home of the Red Devils in the opening round of the league phase of this year's Champions League (20:00 BST).

"I watch every [Man Utd] game when I can," he told the BBC World Service.

"It was the best draw we [Sabah] got in my opinion. It makes it even better because we're going to play in Old Trafford.

"Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it will be a proud moment to step out on to the pitch."

Mickels is in his second stint with the side based in the town of Masazir, which lies about 16km (10 miles) north-west of the capital Baku.

He has played an important role in helping the Azerbaijan Premier League champions progress this far on their debut in the competition.

The forward scored four times in qualifying as the club, founded just nine years ago, navigated four two-legged ties to reach the Champions League proper.

One of those goals was the strike which ultimately sealed a 6-4 aggregate win over Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva after a 94th-minute goal had forced the play-off tie into extra time.

"Reaching the Champions League is an historic achievement for Sabah and starting the league phase at Old Trafford makes it even more exciting," Mickels said.

"At the same time, we're not going there only to enjoy the atmosphere. We want to compete to represent not only our club but Azerbaijan in the best possible way and show we deserve to be there."

Mickels spent the first half of his career in the lower leagues in Germany, where he was born and raised, but has also had stints in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

His first spell with Sabah came between 2021 and 2023, and he returned to the Bank Respublika Arena two years ago.

"My career has not always followed a straight or easy path," he explained.

"I have played at different levels and in several countries. But every experience has helped me grow both as a footballer and as a person."

He qualifies to represent Rwanda through his parents and made his international debut for the Wasps in March.

Mickels is now set to be the first footballer from the East African nation to play in the Champions League proper.

"I'm very proud of my Rwandan roots," he said.

"Representing Rwanda whilst playing the Champions League is very, very special.

"I hope my journey can help inspire young Rwandan players and show them that with belief, hard work and patience, it is possible to reach the pinnacle of football."

After beginning their Champions League campaign at Old Trafford, Sabah's fixture list is littered with glamourous ties including home games against former champions Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.

Yet, with their ground not meeting Uefa regulations, they are expected to stage those matches at the Olympic Stadium in Baku.

The Owls have another trip to England in their final fixture, when they face reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

"Every match in the Champions League is special because you are competing against some of the best teams and players in Europe," Mickels said.

"Of course, Manchester United and Barcelona immediately stood out because of their history and global reputation.

"Playing at Old Trafford and welcoming Barcelona to Baku are the kinds of occasions every footballer dreams about. But we should respect every opponent and each match will be an opportunity for us to test ourselves at the highest level."

Mickels scored 19 goals as Sabah won a maiden league title last season, but he knows they will be underdogs in their Champions League outings.

However, he sees reaching the league phase as "a historic opportunity".

"We want to be competitive in every match and demonstrate the qualities that brought us this far," he added.

"We know that the level will be extremely high, but we believe in ourselves and the strength of our team. We want to gain valuable experience, create memorable moments for our supporters and earn as many points as possible."

Sabah's manager Valdas Dambrauskas has his own remarkable story, having used his winnings from an appearance on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to forge a career in the game.

Mickels admits that while featuring in the Champions League proper is "a special feeling" for everyone at the club, the squad still fully intend to make an impact.

"We want to make the most of it whilst enjoying the challenge and continuing to grow as a team.

"We want to go out with some points and we're going to make it difficult for everybody to get points on us. This is the target."