EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: One-on-One interview with Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila after winning Kuwait Premier League and Best Foreign Player

Published on: 04 May 2016

 

Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila won the Kuwait Premier League with Al Qadsia as well as emerging the best foreign player in the Gulf city.

He is gunning for the best defender of the season in the Kuwait League after guiding Al Qadsia to their most defensive season ever in their Premier League history, conceding only 12 goals in 25 matches.

GHANAsoccernet.com caught up with the former Asante Kotoko defender exclusively from his base in Kuwait.

GS: As Salaamu Aalikum Rashid and congratulations.

RS: Wa Aalikum Salaam and thank you.

GS: How has life been in Kuwait?

RS: Wonderful! At first I struggled with their food, language and everything but Alhamdulillah I am coping well.

GS: How has your season been for you?

RS: Alhamdulillah it has been a great season for me and my teams mates and I thank Allah for that.

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GS: You won the Kuwait Premier League with Al Qadsia. What does it mean to you?

RS: It means a lot to me as a player. Every player’s dream is to win trophies. So winning it means a lot to me. It has added a lot to my career honours and encouraged me to fight for more. Last season we won the Amir Cup and this season the league. So we are aiming high.

GS: You also won the Best Foreign Player award on an individual basis. How is that too?

RS: Yes, yes, I was so happy when I won the award. I competed with many great players from Brazil, Argentina, Algeria and Guinea. So for me to have won ahead of them, means a lot. Mind you, I was the only defender in the nominees so it says a lot about my performance.

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GS: You won the league in Ghana before moving to Sundowns in South Africa. There, you won the league again and now in Kuwait. Will you say you are a lucky player?

RS: Alhamdulillah, every player needs an element of luck in whatever we do. And I think Allah has been so good to me. But hard work is also key. Without hard work, the element of luck is limited. I worked hard at Kotoko and did same at Sundowns and here at Al Qadsia. And Allah has blessed my hard work.

GS: Do you follow the Ghana Premier League?

RS: Of course I do. I follow it every weekend. Even after playing my games, I quickly go online to check what is happening. My two former clubs, Kotoko and Dwarfs did not start well but I think they are doing very well now.

GS: Mentioning Kotoko reminds me. Did you watch the game with Hearts?

RS: Yes I did and Kotoko did well. Before the game they had lost to New Edubiase so everybody was not sure Kotoko could win. They did well. Better luck next time to Hearts.

GS: Do you think Kotoko can win the league?

RS: Yes it’s possible. Twenty matches left and everything is possible. So they can still win the league.

GS: You played 29 matches in all competitions for Al Qadsia and scored three goals. Do you think your performance warrants you a place in the Black Stars?

RS: [Laughs] … that is for you to judge. Every player dreams of playing for their national team so if I am invited, why not? I will gladly accept and come. As for the performance, you can better tell than me. I am doing my best but the call-up rests on the shoulders of the coach.

GS: Do you miss playing for the Black Stars?

RS: Yes I do. It’s my national team and I miss most of the players.

GS: It was recently reported that a juju man had accused you of contracting him to break the leg of one of your colleagues. Why that?

RS: [Silent for a while] … the matter is with my lawyer and the case is with the police. They are still looking for the said juju man and I am told he has vanished but am sure they will get him. So I don’t want to talk about it until my lawyer gives me the go-ahead.

GS: We gather that you are having offers to move away from Kuwait to Europe. Is that true and will Al Qadsia allow you to move?

RS: Yes it’s true. My performance this season has invited a lot of suitors but my agent and the management of Al Qadsia will handle that. The club and the fans have been great here in Kuwait but am sure if a good deal comes, they will allow me to go.

GS: You are just 23 years and have a lot of playing years ahead. Do you think playing in Europe is the best for your career?

RS: Every player dreams of playing for the best club in the world likewise myself. If any good deal comes and my agent and club think it’s good, why not? I will move.

GS: Finally, which club do you dream of playing for in your playing career?

RS: It’s my dream to play for any bid club in Europe but Chelsea or PSG are my dream club.

GS: Thanks for your time and may Allah bless you.

RS: Welcome and may Allah bless you too.

By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter

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