From Paris, with Touchdowns and Yards

For Johan-Arthur Biwole, football was an unexpected turn in his athletic career.

The 21-year-old is originally from France, where he played basketball. His basketball career eventually took him to North Carolina, where he attended school on a full scholarship. After suffering an injury, however, Biwole’s path took a different direction.

Biwole later lived in Oakland during the 2023-24 school year while still pursuing basketball, but a friend recommended that he try American football. He contacted City College defensive line coach Socrates Vegara, who responded quickly. For Biwole, the college stood out because of its football legacy.

“Why CCSF? Because it was one of the top colleges for football,” said Biwole.

Arriving at City College meant starting over in some ways. Now in his first semester, Biwole said the beginning was difficult as he tried to find his place in a new environment. He also had to find the right position.

“I played a few positions, tight end first, then got moved to offensive tackle,” Biwole said. “Now I think I found my comfort at the D-line.”

Finding that comfort has been helped by the environment around him. Biwole said the coaches are close with the players and make an effort to help them improve and move to the next level. He also praised the condition of the college facilities.

“The coaches and facilities are really nice, very close with the players, and are really trying to help everybody,” Biwole said. “They want to be able to get better and move to the next level. They don’t try to keep you here for [their] own purposes.”

For another French player, that opportunity to develop was part of the appeal of City College.

Noa Badibanga, 21, has played football since he was 15. Before choosing a school, Badibanga and his coaches toured community colleges across the country, giving him the chance to see different programs before making his decision.

City College stood out when he met coach Eduardo Nuño, saw the facilities and learned about the program’s history. The championships City College has won over the years also caught his attention.

“After meeting the coaches and seeing all the titles they won during the years,” Badibanga said. “This is the one.”

Once he arrived in San Francisco, the challenge became adjusting to life away from home.

Badibanga said his first three weeks in the United States were particularly difficult because he missed his family. He stays connected by calling his mother and  grandmother often and keeping in touch with his brothers.

Over time, his teammates helped him settle in and become more comfortable.

“My experience so far has been really great,” Badibanga said. “I'm still trying to find my spot. I keep working on the field.”

Badibanga is not currently a starter, but he continues working toward earning his place on the field. He also has a clear goal for where football could take him next.

“My dream is D1,” he said.

That goal comes with responsibilities beyond football. Before coming to the United States, Badibanga worked as a waiter in France for three years. He said he is using the money he earned to support himself while pursuing his football career.

“I have to be on teams or else I [have to] go back to France,” Badibanga said. “I have to be confident in myself because I have the capabilities. I believe. The only thing is to keep working.”

Along with the distance from his family, Badibanga has noticed everyday differences between life in France and the United States. Even something as simple as buying groceries can be a reminder of how different life is.

He recalled recently spending $12 on eggs at Target, a price that surprised him compared with what he was used to paying in France.

“The food, the ingredient quality and it is cheaper,” Badibanga said, describing what he misses about his home country.

School has been another part of the adjustment. Badibanga said classes in the United States are different from those in France. This semester, he is taking English, Sports in Society, and Galaxies and the Universe. He said the latter has been the most difficult, particularly because it is online.

While players such as Biwole and Badibanga are learning to adapt, the coaching staff recognizes that the adjustment goes both ways.

Coach Nuño said international players have been welcomed by their teammates, but they also have to learn new habits and adjust to a different football environment.

“Some are doing really well, and some are doing OK. It’s a mixed bag,” the coach said.

The team has worked to help players from different backgrounds build connections. During the preseason, the team traveled to Lake Tahoe for a bonding trip, giving players an opportunity to spend time together away from the field.

The coach described the season as “up and down,” but said the team has the potential to improve as the season continues.

“We just need to dial in and have a good season,” the coach said.

For Biwole and Badibanga, the experience at City College is about more than football. They are learning to navigate a new country, a different education system and life far from their families.

Biwole has found his place on the defensive line, while Badibanga continues working toward becoming a starter and pursuing a Division I opportunity.