Call him Dominic Adiyiah or Kwaku Soldier, but he will go down in history as the Golden Boy, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, a player who brought something special to the tournament.
I recall being in the same class as him and his captain at Maase R/C Primary ‘A’ in Offinso South in Ghana’s Ashanti region, when his brilliance was evident to all football fans.
When I moved from primary school to Offinso State ‘A’ Junior High School, I traded my boots for books.
After watching me play during a break, the sports master for State ‘A,’ Nana Boakye (Mr. Boakye), called and asked, “But,” which perplexed me
You’re a fantastic player. Why aren’t you a member of the school’s sports team?” “Sir, I’d like to concentrate on my books,” I said. He remained silent because I was the best student in the class.
Kwaku Soldier’s name came up in a news review while I was hosting a radio morning show in Accra in 2017. “But have you thrown your legs before?” mocked one of my guests. I laughed nostalgically and gave them irrefutable proof of their hi-five for me.
Adiyiah was the best player in 2009, eclipsing anyone who could be considered a good player. He used the tournament as a training session.
