With his right foot wrapped in a bandage and supported by his close allies he limped out of the Accra Sports Stadium flanked on either side by fans congratulating him on a good game, he could not conceal the wry smile.
There had been whispers about the new sensation who had taken the Division League by storm but none present for the opening game of the league campaign against New Edubiase in the Phobia was ready for the show Ibrahim Samudeen put on.
The Potential
The dust of the Nungua Town park is where the story starts for the 19 year attacking midfielder. Failed stints with Sekondi XI Wise gave way to a 4-goal-and-22 assist season for King Solomon FC in the 2014/2014 Division One league.
My first conversation with Samudeen was hours after he had picked up his plaque for being the most outstanding footballer in Ghana’s second tier. I walked away with only one impression; a man extremely confident in his own capabilities.
“This award has come to me due to hard work. Of course, there is talent but that is just a minor part of the equation. I need to boost my gift with a lot of effort and work to achieve my goals.”
And on match-day 1 against Edubiase his demeanor on the pitch sent out a quiet but powerful message “I am the best player out here.
Possessing the balance of a tight rope walker and a feathery first touch, he sent the home fans into fits of ecstasy when he nearly created the team’s opening goal after threading a pin point pass to Selassie Adjei only for the latter to by smothered by defenders of New Edubiase.
The rest of his team mates appeared out of sync with him and that was probably the only reason he did not record an assist on his debut. His anticipation and his movement off the ball gave his markers hell the entire afternoon as he consistently pulled his opponents out of position.
He showed enough to suggest that he could receive and hold unto the ball in pressure situations while displaying an on-field awareness and intelligence way beyond his age. He also showed an ability to switch play across the field and also try the occasional ‘killer’ through pass.
His dribbling ability needs some work before he can finally claim the “Charles Taylor” tag the fans are eager to hang around his neck but that is something intense and dedicated training will resolve.
He will need to add more muscle to his slender frame as he was easily brushed aside by his markers in close contact situations.
At his age, it is safe to say that the Phobians have a franchise cornerstone on which the rebuilding of the team can be done. Fans have been crying for the creation of another great team since the days of the “64 Battalion” squad that won the CAF Champions League in 2000.
His attitude gives an indication that he is determined to be the best he possibly can while his coach’s comments also further emphasize the fact that the youngster has a teachable spirit.
Plus, on the defensive end, he has shown a willingness to track back and put in tackles which is a great attribute to have for an attacking midfielder.
The fans
His mental toughness will be tested every time he pulls on the Hearts jersey as days will come where things will not go his way but if he is to blossom and succeed as a player at Ghana’s oldest club side, the fans will have to refrain from suffocating him with their lofty expectations.
They will not be entirely at fault especially after the display they were treated to against New Edubiase.
The Phobian faithful can quickly flip the script on an under-performing player when the inspiring displays hit a brick wall. You can ask Gilbert Fiamenyo.
The Club
Over the years, lots of talented players have failed to live up to the hype and the expectations and the same fate could befall Samudeen if Hearts of Oak as a club do not take calculated steps to properly plan for the future of their budding star.
The players that they surround him with in the coming season will be a big indicator, but that is to suggest that Samudeen will stick around the Ghana Premier League longer than most of the players that have excelled in recent years.
There is no denying that at the league’s current level, departing the shores of Ghana to continue his development is not far-fetched and that day will finally arrive.
Before any of that happens the club must ride on the euphoria created around their new man to properly market and sell him as a brand.
Current head coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi appears one who subscribes to the use of analytics in his coaching and monitoring methods and that is a good sign for the development of the youngster.
Keeping him at post long term will ensure that Samudeen’s development is not truncated pre-maturely but that will also hinge on results at club.
Life for a young footballer in Ghana can be tough and is riddled with unforeseen obstacles but Hearts have a responsibility to ensure that Samudeen stays grounded and focused on making himself and his team a force to reckon with.
For the eyes that saw him dazzle in front of ,perhaps the largest crowd he has ever seen, you still get the sense that the young chap has tons more in his locker.
Will he join the long list of great players the mighty Oak Tree has churned out or will he wither in the harsh conditions of the local terrain?
Time will provide us with that answer.
By Benjamin Nketia