Q and A: SCR Altach new sensation Nana Kofi Babil tells his story after making Bundesliga bow

Published on: 24 November 2020

Almost a month and a half before his 19th birthday, Kofi Babil made his Bundesliga debut in the SCRA jersey on Saturday. We talked extensively with the summer newcomer about his story.

It was September 16, 2020 when Nana Kofi Babil landed at Zurich Airport in the late afternoon. Almost two months after it was officially introduced as a new addition, the SCR Altach chapter could finally begin. The corona virus had previously thwarted the 18-year-old attacking player and cost the entire preparation process - it was simply not possible to leave Ghana last summer.

Since this Wednesday afternoon, almost two months have passed again. Last Saturday a dream came true for Kofi with his Bundesliga debut. But what moves a young Ghanaian who leaves home at the age of 18 to make a name for himself as a footballer in Europe? What problems accompany a young man who plunges into a completely new world? We asked Kofi for a detailed interview in which he told his story.

1.) Nana Kofi Babil celebrates his Bundesliga debut - how does that sound to you?

Ever since I started playing soccer as a little boy in my hometown, I've dreamed of becoming a professional in Europe one day. It was the fulfillment of a childhood dream and an incredibly exciting experience at the same time - a game I will never forget. However, it is only the first step on the path that I want to take. It would have been even better if we had won the game.  

2.) In the summer a lot of patience was required when there was no possibility to leave Ghana for a long time. You have been here for almost two months now and you have overcome your first acclimatization hurdles. Tell us: What was new for you here in Austria?

Almost everything, actually (laughs). And that's still the case today. Whether it's the weather, the landscape, the way you train here or everyday things. I didn't know a lot and I have to learn first. But I'm getting on better and better and luckily I have teammates who support me in all areas.

3.) You say almost everything is different here - how can we imagine your childhood in Ghana?

Very sheltered - I grew up as the youngest of five siblings in Tarkwa. I think I started playing football when I was four or five. My siblings also played, but for various reasons they have all stopped playing. In the past few years, they have mainly focused on advancing my career. I am very grateful to my family for that.  

4.) Keyword career: Before moving to Altach, you played twelve top division games in the Ghanaian Premier League for Medeama SC. Which career stages did you go through until then?

I started playing soccer with a small club in my home country. I scored a lot of goals there and was eventually signed by Trax Junior FC - a club in Accra. In Accra, I gained my first experience in the adult sector and was used in the second division at Charity Stars FC. At the end of last year, the offer came from Medeama, the professional club in my hometown of Tarkwa. There I scored four goals in a total of twelve first division games and was discovered by Altach.   

5.) How does football in Ghana differ from that here in Austria?

It's actually hard to compare, completely different. Above all, the intensity and the physical requirements are clearly different here. I also had to get used to that. Or rather, I'm still adjusting to this way of playing.

6.) Leaving home alone at the age of 18, that's a big step. How often do you keep in touch with your family at home?

Actually every day. Apart from my team-mates, I unfortunately haven't had much time to look for friends here. This makes contact with family all the more important to me.

7.) You mentioned earlier that your Bundesliga debut was the first step on your way. What were your goals when you came to Altach?

First of all, I would like to thank you for the trust that the club has placed in me. It is my aim to adapt to the European style of football as quickly as possible. In the long term it would be great to be represented in an international competition with Altach.  

8.) The fans now know you from the two short appearances in the friendly against Wacker Innsbruck and against the WAC at the weekend. Your agility and speed are striking. Where do you see your own strengths?

With and without the ball, I always try to make runs behind the opposing defense and make space for my teammates. At the same time, I am a player who creates opportunities and I have my strengths in scoring goals.

9.) The language is part of getting used to it. Are you already learning German?

 Yes, of course, I understand a bit. But speaking yourself is really difficult (laughs).

10.) Due to the corona virus, no spectators are allowed so far. How much are you looking forward to playing in front of the fans in the stadium?

Very! We have a really nice stadium and I can't wait for fans to come to our games. 

Profile: Name: Nana Kofi Babil Date of birth: 04.01.2002 Nationality: Ghana Position: Attack With SCRA since: 17.09.2020

Source: https://newsroom.scra.at

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