Bayern Munich and Ghana star Samuel Kuffour talks exclusively to World Football's Osasu Obayiuwana about God, Lothar Matthaus and his mum saving penalties. Samuel Kuffour is widely regarded as the best African player in world football.

He's a legend in his home country of Ghana, and has helped Bayern Munich to the European Cup.

But he explained that not everyone was so keen on his decision to make a career from the beautiful game.

"My mother was quite interested in football, because she wanted me to become somebody" he said.

'My mother believed in me' - Samuel Kuffour

"But I don't think my three sisters liked the idea - they wanted me to go to school because I was the only boy in the family.

"My family was very poor.

"My mother sold our television for 25 dollars to buy me some boots.

"My sisters were very angry! I think they wanted me to be a doctor, but god wanted me to be a footballer.

"I don't think every mother would have done the same. But my mother had the heart to do this and God bless her.

"She used to leave her job in the market to come and see me play and pick me up after the games. It was amazing.

"My mother once went in goal during a match and I stood behind and directed her.

"She was trying her best to entertain the fans.

"She saved three penalties in one game! It was very nice.

Kuffour moved to Italy whilst still very young with Serie A side Torino.

He said he didn't mind that he wasn't in the first team straight away because he was still so young.

But it wasn't long before he was on his way to German giants Bayern Munich for 500,000 dollars.

"That was a lot of money because I was sucha young boy" he said.

"I was very lucky moving to a club like Bayern.

"Lothar Matthaus was like a father to me.

"At first Bayern didn't want to pay so much money, but Lothar said 'if you don't want to pay it, I'll pay it myself. Then you'll see what this kid can do'.

Lothar Matthaus - 'He was like a father to me'

"Throughout my life some people believed in me - my mother, Lothar Matthaus and Giovanni Trappatoni.

Despite his club success Kuffour was bitterly disappointed that Ghana missed out on qualification for this year's World Cup.

"It makes me so sad. In my life I've played in every major tournament in the world.

"And it's my dream to one day appear in the World Cup. I pray that I will.

"Football has helped me to become somebody. When I look back I was nobody, but now my name is known all around the world.

"And it's up to us top players have to help the young African players who are coming through".

PIC: Kuffour with wife