This week on The Set Peace Podcast, we’re joined by Manny Onariase a defender whose journey through football reflects resilience, independence, and the realities of chasing the game at different levels.

Manny’s story begins in academy football, signing for West Ham United at a young age, but his path into the game wasn’t as straightforward as it might seem. In the early stages of his career, he was navigating football largely on his own even going as far as keeping it hidden from his dad, travelling to training and games independently, and managing the pressures of being in a professional environment without always having that support system around him.

In the first half of the episode, we explore Manny’s football journey from academy football into the senior game, adapting to different environments, and learning what it takes to build a career over time. We talk about the realities behind the scenes, the sacrifices made, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset both on and off the pitch.

In the second half, the conversation shifts into the mental side of the game. Manny opens up about injuries, setbacks, and moments where he questioned himself particularly the feeling of not being good enough when things weren’t going his way. He speaks honestly about how those challenges affected him mentally, and how he’s learned to deal with those moments, rebuild confidence, and keep moving forward.

This is a real and honest conversation about football beyond the surface independence, pressure, setbacks, and the mental strength required to keep going.

The set peace podcast is about more than football it’s about the people behind it.

Every 2 weeks, we sit down with guests across the game from pros to physios, coaches to players, these are the conversations we all need to hear, in football and in life.

With 45 minutes talking football and 45 minutes on mental health and well-being these conversations are for everyone whether you’re in football or not.

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