Misha Djemaili is a former Sussex student who is making waves in the non-league football game in the UK. Having played previously for Hashtag United and the England Universities Football Squad. He sits down for an exclusive interview with The Badger to discuss his career so far and his time at Sussex.
“My time at Sussex was really good. I was living on campus, which was nice. I always wanted to go to a university with a campus that I could stay on. I was a sports scholar, and the teaching for Computer Science (his degree) was amazing.”
“I have loads of good memories, but the main one for me was the varsity game against Brighton, although we lost that year (2023). Getting that much attention and attraction was good. It was good for the sport and good for the university.”
Misha left Sussex after his first-year to carry on his studies in Computer Science and footballing journey as a student athlete at the University of East London.
“The main reason behind leaving Sussex was mostly football. Although I was studying at Sussex, the club I was playing for was in London, so I was travelling a lot during the week. This led to me missing a few lectures, which the lecturers understood.”
“At the time, I had Ramiz Alihodzic. He understood that I had football, but he made me almost prove to him that I play football!”
“I did love my time at Sussex and say if I was playing for Chichester at the time I probably would have stayed at Sussex.”
Following his move to East London. Misha joined Hashtag United, the famous YouTube football team who are known for their remarkable rise from playing Sunday league football to the seventh tier of English football in ten years.
“The Hashtag move came about as I knew a lot of the people, and I previously played for Essex County. My first ever club in non-league was Tilbury, whose manager at the time was Joe Keith (now assistant manager at Hashtag United). I messaged him saying I am coming back to London, and he said to come in, and we’ll go from there. I impressed him in pre-season, and they signed me.”
“In terms of social media engagement, Hashtag is one of the most followed teams in the UK. You would get 100,000/200,000 followers every week on YouTube. There were periods of pressure and weeks where it would be why Misha is playing, and then there were weeks where people were saying Misha is the best player in the world!”
“At Hashtag, you kind of learn to put your head down. From a social media standing that’s the closest to being a professional without being a professional.”
Last season (24/25 season), Misha contributed to 47 goal involvements. He was Hashtag United’s top scorer with 21 goals and won Hashtag United’s fans’ player of the season.
“Last season was my breakout season. It was my best season to date. I scored a lot of goals from the number 10 position, which is supposed to be a bit more of a creative role. But I found myself in the box more often than not. It was very special for me to be honest.”
“Being fans player of the year is the best thing I could have won. Without fans, football doesn’t really exist. It’s very special to me.”
“I had an amazing two years at Hashtag. Great memories, friends, goals and performances.”
Misha left Hashtag as their 5th-highest goalscorer in history. On top of his achievements at club level, he has represented England universities at an international level.
“Representing England came about as some players I knew were already part of the England setup. They basically said we have a player, and they said to bring him down. Like Hashtag, I was impressed and selected. I played against full-time professional teams such as Wycombe Wanderers and Southampton, and played internationally against Wales and Scotland too.”
“It sounds as if I have an ego, but I say to my peers that I am the best university footballer in the country. You must back yourself!”
For the 25/26 football season, Misha has made the move back to the south coast, playing for Chichester City in the Isthmian League Premier Division, who, at the time of writing, sit nine points outside of the playoff positions.
“My season so far has been different from last year. There have been a few setbacks with injuries and a bit of movement as I moved down to Chichester. It has been an adjustment season, but enjoyable, nonetheless. It has been a season I have enjoyed every minute of.”
“We are chasing playoffs. I would love to get to the playoffs. That’s the main thing. You never want to play for nothing. My biggest aspiration for the season is getting playoffs and hopefully promoted with Chichester. If we can continue and results go our way, we can get into the playoffs.
“When I made the move from Hashtag, Chichester attracted me with the facilities, players, style of play and the chance of making it into the playoffs.”
Misha, who says that “basketball is his first love” qualifies for the English and Kosovan national teams. Looking to the future, he has big aspirations.
“I want to make it into full-time professional football. I have been told on numerous occasions that I have the capability for it. It’s about being in the right place at the right time.”
“Playing for Kosovo would be the biggest dream you could achieve, and winning something would be the icing on the cake. It is always something you want to represent your country. I want to make it into full-time professional football. I have been told on numerous occasions that I have the capability for it.”
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