Budding Ghanaian striker Richard Donkoh, who is weaving magic with Swedish second-tier side Osters, speaks to GHANAsoccernet.com on a wide range of issues including eyeing a spot in any of the national teams.
GSN: What is your view on the standard of the Swedish League?
R.D: The Swedish League is really competitive and a good breeding ground for any player to start their career. Since I came here, I have felt at home and settled in well. They have the facilities and the men with the technical know-how to help any young player to succeed. For me this is a great opportunity and Iââ¬â¢m really excited to be here. I may not be playing for any top-flight side yet, but I believe itââ¬â¢s a good start.
GSN: Do you have any ambition of joining any stellar club either in Sweden or Europe?
R.D: Yeah, of course. Itââ¬â¢s my ultimate goal to move to a bigger club in Sweden or Europe. A place where I can face new challenges and move closer to my goal. But I still need to develop as a player and thatââ¬â¢s my primary focus now. No need to rush in that regard.
GSN: What are some of the challenges confronting you at Osters?
R.D: Life is full of challenges and right so because I came from Ghana where the culture and attitudes are different. I think I didnââ¬â¢t settle in well from the beginning. I had to adjust to the teamââ¬â¢s style of play as the clock ticked. It wasnââ¬â¢t easy from the onset but gradually, Iââ¬â¢m getting my peak on.
GSN: A number of Ghanaian players excelled in Sweden. Does that put any pressure on you in your development?
R.D: Naturally the game itself comes with pressure. But Iââ¬â¢m not under pressure to emulate the footsteps of some of my compatriots. We are all unique players in our own right and so Iââ¬â¢m not bothered about that. What is of primary concern to me is to continue with my development here at Osters and the big teams will come calling. I am too young to worry about things which will not aid me to progress in any way. Iââ¬â¢m working hard for myself and my club and hope to improve on my set goals. That really motivates and excites me rather than being put under pressure.
GSN: What is your ultimate goal in your young football career?
R.D: Itââ¬â¢s my dream to join one of the best clubs in Europe and feature in the UEFA Champions League. I want to win titles in Europe and counted as one of the finest players to have emerged from Ghana.
GSN: What is your favourite team in the world and which one do you fancy to play for?
R.D. Wow, thatââ¬â¢s a big one! I like Arsenal in the English Premier League because of their style of play. Real Madrid is my preferred choice in Spain. In France, I would like to play for Lille and would also fancy playing for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. I also like NAC Breda in Holland.
GSN: You missed out on the 2015 African Youth Championship in Senegal due to injury, how did you feel?
R.D: That was a big disappointment for me because I really wanted to represent my country. But unfortunately I was knocked down by an injury. But Iââ¬â¢m hoping to get another chance when given the opportunity. It will be a dream to play for any of the national teams.
GSN: Finally, how do you see your chances making into any of the national teams?
R.D: Iââ¬â¢m bidding for my time. Iââ¬â¢m very young and not really in a rush. What is important is my development and I believe at the right time, my performance will speak for itself. I believe I have enough quality to play at the top level and Iââ¬â¢m keeping my head high.
GSN: Thank you for your time
R.D Thank you for having me!