Former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Joe Louis, has recounted how a devastating injury crushed his dream move to South African side Kaizer Chiefs in 2001.

In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, he narrated that the Chiefs showed interest in him following his performance in the Vodacom Challenge Cup, a short competition in South Africa (SA) which featured Asante Kotoko.

Louis said he vowed to play in SA after seeing the mesmerizing facilities upon his arrival in the country for the tournament and even inquired about how clubs treat players.

"When we went to South Africa to play the Vodacom challenge, I had one of my best performances. I told myself that this is where I want to play football after seeing their facilities. I said 'God this is where I want to play football, I don't like Europe.' I even inquired about how they treat their players, so I was determined to play football there. When we started the tournament, I was unplayable and they all admired me. I won the best player and they gave me a cup and some dollars," he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV on YouTube.

He continued that Kaizer Chiefs agreed to sign him but the club proposed that he plays the remaining season with Kotoko before joining the following season.

"Kaizer Chiefs wanted me but they said they wanted me to join after the season. At the time Hearts were leading the table by one point, I think."

Unfortunately for Louis, he never got to live his dream of playing in South Africa after he broke his leg during his first game in Ghana after the Vodacom tournament.

"During our first game in Ghana after the trip, I broke my leg," he said.

The injury turned out to be a long-term injury and thus prevented the transfer move from materializing.

Joe Louis left his mark on the Ghana Premier League, becoming one of the household names. He gained popularity during his days at Asante Kotoko where he won a couple of league titles.

He also played for King Faisal, Great Olympics, Hearts of Oak, and All Blacks.


EE/EK