The two kick off their third training camp together
In every team, there’s always going to be that one special bromance. It’s only natural. Maybe they speak the same language, come from the same country, are the same age, and maybe they even room together during training camp or away games.
That’s pretty much what happened to goalkeeper James Pantemis and midfielder Shamit Shome, who check all of the above boxes. Of course, the two are sharing a room once again for this training camp.
“I think we have a very special relationship. That’s how I would put it,” joked Pantemis, speaking to Impact Media in Sarasota, Florida. “Shamit and I have known each other for four, five years now and we’ve built a very strong friendship. It’s something you need.”
The two met as part of the Canadian national team program, where they played on the U18 team. Little did they know they would both be a part of the Montreal Impact just a few years later. Shamit was drafted at 2017 MLS SuperDraft by the Bleu-blanc-noir, joining the team at training camp after signing a contract in early January while Pantemis, part of the Academy, was invited to that year’s camp, eventually signing for the first team later that year.
“Since day one we’ve been really good friends,” explained Shamit. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of banter back and forth, but rooming with him is fun. It’s great, because it relieves stress to have a good laugh in between sessions and what not. It’s great to have him, even though he’s a bit of a goofball.”
Now well into their third training camp with the Bleu-blanc-noir, the young “veterans” are some of the more familiar faces kicking off the 2019 season, serving as a good link between the younger players coming from the Academy and some of the team’s older, more established players.
“Obviously, you become friends with everyone on the team, but there are those friendships you keep for a long time,” added Pantemis. “It’s nice to have those types or relationships. Like Shamit said, it gets your mind off the seriousness and the stress of the sport and allows you to unwind and enjoy the moment.”
