Feature: France-born Vandam ready for Ghana

Published on: 29 October 2010

Jerry Vandam, born in Lille, France on 8 December to Ghanaian parents, is nephew of ex-Ghana international Alex Nyarko.

His unparallel talent as a defender has seen him rise through the ranks and come up as a first choice player in the highly endowed team. He tells his story as follows:

"Remember going to watch my uncle play in Lens, in Paris and also in England, he remembers. Becoming a pro thus became a child's dream.''

He schooled in Haubourdin, a suburb area of Lilles and joined Lille Olympique Sporting Club  at the age of 12.

"During that time I played in the midfield just like my uncle. It was Claude Puel that repositioned me at the right back during his last season at Lille (2007-2008). In the beginning, I was reluctant, but, gradually, I adjusted to that slot."

Claude Puel had faith in him and handed him his French Ligue 1 debit on 16 January 2008 against Rennes (3-1):

"Plestan got injured fifteen minutes from the end of the match, I was introduced at the right back position and Béria was shifted to the axis."

Eleven months later he was handed a full debut on 5 December and that came with much delight.

"It was against Lyon, he continues. I was selected once in Europa Ligue, but, this time, the entire France was watching us.The match was live on Canal+, but Rudi Garcia relieved me of the pressure. Facing me was Lisandro lopez, the toughest player that I have ever marked until now."

The match ended 4-3 for Lille and Vandam has come to stay but change in coaches nearly cut short his dream with the arrival of Rudi Garcia.

A statement from head coach Garcia made him feel less comfortable.

"We count on him. His versatility remains an asset, even if it is at the right back position he can best express it. He must still progress in the offensive domain, but he listens and we have based a lot of hope on him."

LOSC however extended his contract till the summer of 2014.

Still a member of the Lille first team, Vandam shocked France by turning down an offer to join the youth team.

After several visits to the country of birth of his parents, he opted to play for Ghana.

Vandam, says he has already met Ghana FA officials to express his desire to play for the country.

"I have already met with Ghana FA officials in Accra. If they call me, I think I'll respond positively,"  Vandam said.

"Playing for Ghana was my childhood dream, but I went there twice when I was little with my late father. Now I go there twice a year, each holiday period," the right-back added.

"I became friends with the Ayew brothers Andre and Jordan. We get on well and hopefully we will be able to play together for the Black Stars."

Vandam should be available for Ghana Olympics team, the Black Meteors, if his nationality switch is ratified by Fifa.

He played eight matches for Lille in the French top flight last season and made seven appearances in the Champions League.

This term he has played two matches for Lille- one in the Ligue 1 and the other in the Uefa Europa League (a 1-0 win over Sofia Levski at home).

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