Former Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold SC right-back, Attah Kusi regrets playing football in Ghana, citing financial struggles & lack of insurance. He advises young players to rather seek opportunities abroad.
The issue of player salaries in Ghana has been a perennial topic of discussion within the Ghanaian football fraternity. The debate has sparked a multitude of opinions, with many stakeholders weighing in on the matter.
Some have even gone as far as to advocate for the introduction of a salary cap, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the welfare of Ghanaian footballers is adequately protected.
The experienced lateral has expressed his candid thoughts on the salaries of Ghanaian players in the local league.
In a striking revelation, Attah confessed that he regrets pursuing a career in football. Despite having played for an extended period and representing top-tier teams, he lamented that he has little to show for his efforts.
In a poignant admission, Attah disclosed that he sometimes relies on his friends, who are mechanics for financial support, highlighting the dire financial struggles he faces.
"Honestly, I regret playing football. It pains me that I didn't learn a trade or further my education. If I had, I'd be earning a better salary than what I get from playing football in this country. Whenever I reflect on my career, playing for big clubs like Kotoko, Ashanti Gold, and Gold Stars, I'm filled with pity. It's humiliating to have to beg my friends, who are mechanics and electricians, for pocket money", he noted.
Kusi offered a word of caution to aspiring footballers, advising them to prioritize securing foreign contracts over playing for local clubs. In his opinion, playing locally can be a challenging and unrewarding experience.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the lack of insurance coverage for footballers in Ghana makes it even more precarious, as an injury can have devastating financial consequences.
"I would advise all upcoming players to work hard and seek opportunities outside the country. It's extremely challenging to make a successful career as a footballer here. Moreover, the lack of insurance for players means that a single injury can bring your career to a premature end."
Attah Kusi's impressive performances have earned him stints with several top-tier clubs in the Ghana Premier League, including Asante Kotoko, King Faisal, Ashanti Gold, and most recently, Bibiani Gold Stars. Currently, he is a free agent, unattached to any club.
By: Ibrahim Abubakar (Sheikh)