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Soccer News of Tuesday, 3 July 2007

Source: Sunday World

Kwame Ayew to become a doctor

Kwame Ayew, erstwhile Ghanaian football striker and younger brother of three-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year Award, Abedi Pele has bared his ambition to become a medical doctor in the next few years.

“My hopes are high about becoming a doctor soon” he revealed to Sunday World. Ayew who left active schooling upon the completion of his lower-six class some years ago says he had always wanted to be a doctor.

Besides the fact that his desire to be a doctor dates back to his early days, Ayew indicates that Ghana has given him so much as a former Black Stars striker. Thus, he has resolved to help the country by assisting in treating the vulnerable folks with curable diseases. “I’m not going to do this for accolades; I just want to help the suffering ones in our society.

“To be able to change the life of even an individual for the better in a day would mean a lot to me” he added.

Kwame Ayew in football was generally recognised by his admirable dreadlocks. But today, the born-again Ayew has had his dreadlock cut. He says despite being easily spotted as ‘rasta footballer’, cutting his hair had significant spiritual implication for his new found faith in the Lord. He states that what led to his conversion to Christianity was that he yearned for a personal encounter with his Creator.

He signed a one-and-half year contract with Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal which expires in May 2008. He is still weighing his intentions to extend his stay at the club after May or back down to commence his studies.

This is his second time with Setubal having scored eight goals in 23 games for the club in the 1997/98 session. He moved from Xian Zhang Ba International football club in China where he was the league highest scorer with 17 goals to join his current club.

No doubt, Ayew remains a national asset to the country as he complemented Yaw Preko of the striking force of the Black Stars especially at Barcelona 1992. “I’d kill myself to receive Yaw’s pass even if it’s hard to. We were very close to the extent that while in dressing room I would just say to him let’s go out there and win” he said.

He is not in doubt that the Black Stars, given the present talented cream of players, will definitely perform very well at the CAN 2008 Soccer Tournament next year.

He added significant impetus to Ghanaian football with his unique skill and technical ability. He is also marked for exceptional speed, physical strength and fighting spirit on the pitch.

Asked if he’s married, he said no but added that he has a daughter. Ayew played for Portugal’s Uniao Leiria, Boavista and Sporting Lisbon. He also played for clubs in the Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, France and Italy.