In an exclusive interview on AHOTOR FM 92.3, former Ghana Premier League star and under-20 player Kwame Asare, known as Lebowski, shared his extraordinary football journey that spans over two decades and two countries. Asari, who has been living in France for the past 20 years, opened up about his early days in football and the unique challenges he faced.
Kwame Asare’s football career began at the tender age of 14 when he played for BA United in Ghana. His exceptional talent soon caught the eye of scouts, and he secured his first professional contract with Union Sportive in Côte d’Ivoire. Asari’s transition to professional football was marked by his ability to navigate playing for teams in two different countries simultaneously. In the interview, he revealed how he managed this extraordinary feat.
- “At that time, there was no system to track players’ movements or affiliations,” Asari explained. I used to travel between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to play football because I could change my name depending on where I was playing. In Côte d’Ivoire, they called me Kwame Nyamei, while in Ghana, I was known as Kwame Asare.”
Asari’s dual identity allowed him to represent both countries in their under-20 national teams. However, this was not without complications.
- “I was already called up to Ghana’s under-20 team, so I couldn’t join the Côte d’Ivoire camp,” he said. “The leaders there would sometimes fake injuries for me so that I could stay home and not play for the opposing team.”
Despite the challenges, Asare managed to balance his commitments to both teams. He explained that the football seasons in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire did not coincide, which allowed him to fulfil his obligations to both.
- “The seasons were different in both countries. Côte d’Ivoire would finish their season ahead of Ghana, giving me time to play the remaining games in Ghana,” Asari recalled. “BA United would call me to play for them while I was still in Côte d’Ivoire, and I would find ways to make it work.”
Asari’s determination to play for BA United often led him to take drastic measures.
- “I remember once telling my club in Côte d’Ivoire that my father had passed away just so I could return to Ghana and play for BA United,” he confessed. “My father wasn’t dead, but it was the only way I could get back to Ghana to participate in the remaining matches.”
Throughout the interview, Asare reminisced about the players he shared the field with, including Kwame Santrophy, Awudu Issaka, Mama Musah Aquah, Kwame Mensah, and other notable names from his era. He expressed pride in being part of the pioneering group that helped shape under-20 football in Ghana.
Reflecting on his dual-national career, Asare shared some memorable moments and challenges he faced while playing for both countries. He recounted the intensity of training sessions, the strategies he had to employ to stay under the radar, and the sacrifices he made to maintain his football career.
- “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “I had to be very careful and strategic about my movements. One mistake could have cost me my career in both countries.”
Asare also spoke about the camaraderie among players and the strong bonds they formed despite the competitive nature of football.
- “We were like a family,” he said. “Even though we were playing for different countries, there was a sense of unity among us. We respected each other and supported each other through thick and thin.”
When asked about his life in France, Asare shared how he has continued to stay connected with football.
- “Football is in my blood,” he said. “Even though I am no longer playing professionally, I still have interest in local the leagues here in Ghana. I like to inspire young footballers and share my experiences with them. It’s my way of giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Asare’s story is not just about football; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and passion. His journey from a young talent in Ghana to a professional player in Côte d’Ivoire, and his continued love for the game even after moving to France, is truly inspiring. His experiences serve as a valuable lesson for young footballers and sports enthusiasts alike.
For more insights and exclusive interviews with football legends, stay tuned to AHOTOR FM 92.3.
- Ahotor Sports Desk
