Kumordzi's goal of grace

Ghana’s Olympic team offensive midfield general Bennard Yao Kumordzi says his goal against South Africa a month ago at the El Wak stadium was a goal of grace that has inspired him and will propel him into bigger things to come. The Meteors won 3-1 at home against the Amagluglug of South Africa in a game Kumordzi contributed immensely to seal victory for Ghana.   “It was the first time I have scored a goal on the motherland and the first time I have played an international game in Accra. I didn’t know that Ghanaians know me that much hence I had to put off my cell phone after the game because Ghanaians from all over the world were buzzing my phone”. Bennard said.   Kumordzi came into the limelight playing division 6 football in Sweden where he was later moved straight to division one, then transferred to the Greek premiership where he instantly became a hit by winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the first half of the Greek Supa league in his first season in that country. He caught the eyes of Black Stars coach Claude Le Roy during an All African Games qualifier against Nigeria in Sunyani.

Kumordzi left sweet memories in the minds of Ghanaians worldwide when he came on as a substitute in Ghana’s friendly against Brazil in Sweden where he dribbled world best Ronaldinho and Diego and drew applause from the football fraternity. Kumordzi’s composure and confidence on the ball in the match against Brazil convinced Le Roy of a discovered talent.   Arguably, today, Kumordzi has become one of Ghana’s biggest house name football talents currently in Europe and he believes that with hard work, dedication, a can-do spirit, and a little bit of luck he can play in the highest level of European football.   On the upcoming Olympic decider against Nigeria on 16th November, Kumordzi categorically said, “Nigeria and Ghana matches are mostly driven with passion, rivalry and aggressiveness no matter which level or competition. I have heard that Samson Siasia is bringing Mikel Obi and Teye Tiawo to complete a double for them but I don’t care about those names so long as they will bring up eleven players on the field of play and not twelve”.

“Nigeria has beaten us before in their backyard and it is a pain to me looking at the fact that we led the game 2-1 until one of our key players Dramani was given the red”.   Kumordzi said he hope to make a big impact in the upcoming game to give Ghana a win over Nigeria, but he quickly cautioned that football can be unfair sometimes therefore Ghanaians should always prepare their minds for the best and the worst.   The Panionions midfielder also touched on the GHANA2008 tournament, saying that he will be ready to play anytime he is called upon to either start or replace. He later talked on his confidence in the Star’s coach. “Le Roy is a good coach and he knows what’s best for Ghanaian football”. Kumordzi added.   Asked whether he had gotten some offers from clubs so far, Kumordzi said, two lucrative offers came from the Arab world (Qatar and Saudi Arabia) but he had put them on hold since he wants to play at the highest level of football in Europe.   When asked why he plays many roles in both the national teams and club level, Kumordzi opined that, "I am a typical offensive minded midfielder, but I can also play the defensive midfield. The defensive midfield is not an easy role. You turn to attract many cards since you always have to tackle, dispossess your opponent and give accurate passes”.

“I have played in many positions because I stated playing division 3 football in Ghana as a central defender. Then when I got to Sweden, they used me as an attacking midfielder in the division 6 league. But when I moved to division 1 in Sweden, they used me as a striker. Then now in Greece, I play both attacking and defensive midfield".