Akatsi, a small town situated in the South-Eastern part of the Volta region. The quaint little town of Akatsi sits along the coastline, with the usual array of colourful houses bathed in the relentless Ghanaian sunlight. The town’s inhabitants are often responsible for keeping several jobs simply to make ends meet, and because of Akatsi’s coastal location, it is common for many to work as fishermen and farmers despite the limited income at times.
Akatsi, a small town situated in the South-Eastern part of the Volta region. The quaint little town of Akatsi sits along the coastline, with the usual array of colourful houses bathed in the relentless Ghanaian sunlight. The town’s inhabitants are often responsible for keeping several jobs simply to make ends meet, and because of Akatsi’s coastal location, it is common for many to work as fishermen and farmers despite the limited income at times.
It is a sharp contrast to a typical day in Ghana’s finest locations, requiring sheer determination to break free from the shackles of a disadvantaged lifestyle. This is the starting point for one of Ghana’s emerging footballing talents tipped to etch his name in the country’s football folklore.
Yegbe was born to Mr John Yegbe and Mrs Janet Ahiadzife in Akatsi some twenty-two years ago. Since he came from a poor background, Yegbe was forced to handle multiple jobs throughout his early life, including helping his parents with their farm work and selling the farm produce in the Akatsi township on market days. The Ghanaian was raised in a devout religious home, and it is certain that his faith would have been relied on to carry him through his testing childhood.
But no matter what profession Terry Yegbe found himself in, he held only one true passion: football. Becoming an international sportsman after growing up in a struggling family would only have been a distant dream for Yegbe, perhaps when he allowed his thoughts to wander while resting between his various shifts. However, he wouldn’t let anything prevent him from pursuing his dream.
His talent was visible in his formative years as he was always seen playing keepy-uppy to and from school. Many who saw him those periods never doubted his ability but prayed he would play to the highest level one day. Yegbe underpins his undeniable natural attributes with a refined touch, a killer instinct and a sublime footballing brain.
"Growing up in Akatsi really brought the best in me. Kids are always seen on the streets playing football and learning new tricks seen from established footballers on the television. I have always dreamt of making a name for myself in football and I think I’m still on course to realising that dream. The journey has been long but certainly far from being over.” He told kickgh.com
Terry Yegbe’s football journey began like most of the African footballers. On the sandy pitches and usually barefooted, he and his compatriots turned out for various youth football clubs. They just enjoyed playing the game and were content with tips or being carried on shoulders as a reward for standout performance. That was about all the game had for them.
A skinny, lively little Yegbe was always seen kicking a ball around on pavements of streets of Akatsi but it was actually during his days with a division two club in his neighbourhood Kickers FC that his immense talent was spotted. A scout of Sogakope-based West African Football Academy (WAFA), was scouting the area and found Yegbe showing off the best of his abilities. Impressed by what he was viewing, he signed him up for the academy, citing the youngster’s immense perseverance and desire to keep the ball on the scorching surface.
The signing would now mean that Yegbe would have the opening to show his skills on an actual football field with moderately improved conditions and, more importantly, a chance to break into professional football. This was a major breakthrough in the 17-year-old’s career. Split between his father’s wishes of wanting him to further his education and his own will of turning towards professional football.
Yegbe after the expiration of his contract with WAFA made a trip to Accra, Ghana’s capital to join Vision FC, a Division One side with whom he stayed for two years before signing for Finnish topflight side SJK Seinäjoki. Aware of his potential, the technical team of SJK Seinäjoki wasted no time getting the centre-back into the club’s youth setup SJK II.
His performances were so impressive that he earned promotion to the first team after a season with the youth team. He has become an integral member of Joaquín Gómez’s team that is leading the Finnish Veikkausliiga after eight games played, featuring in all eight games and has recorded an assist. He also has three Liiga Cup appearances and has found the back of the net on one occasion.
For starters, Yegbe is a left-footed ball-playing centre-back who is occasionally assigned a left-back role due to his versatility. The elegance and effortlessness at which he plays the centre-back position is unique. Ferocious in the tackle and yet undemonstrative verbally, Yegbe is very much a leader by example, seldom expressing himself to his teammates other than to maintain the defensive discipline and organisation that is the hallmark of any team led by him. He is, however, no mere ‘hatchet-man’ backline defender. He is blessed with an ability to read the game defensively, and when seized of the opportunity to carry the ball out of defence for club, he is a gifted playmaker, with an acute sense of game-craft.
He is a clever player. He tries to do better and has done better. He is a warrior; his stamina is exceptional, he’s very strong physically, good in the air and quick on the ground, and able to run at least a kilometre at full speed in every match. The Ghanaian is very durable and not afraid of pain; he even played with a broken nose and head last season. SJK Seinäjoki fans love his never-say-die attitude, and he has the potential to develop into a true leader.
“I am really having a wonderful time here. They’ve given me the opportunity to bring my talent to bear. My one year stay with them has really benefitted my development as a player as I have learnt a lot and hope to learn more as I progress.” He chimed in
Yegbe’s resolve is matched by his acute sensibility in defensive situations. His awareness of when to close down and strip the ball from opponents is impressive. He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet, equally capable of a fast-paced delivery into his centre-forward or playing a diagonal cross-field pass to a winger. His anticipation and reading of the game give him an excellent interception rate, while his speed enables him to recover against the majority of forwards. Versatile and full of youthful verve, Yegbe’s ascent shows no signs of slowing, with the 22-year-old having a lot to offer.
Terry Yegbe idolises Austria and Real Madrid player David Alaba. Frankly, apart from wearing a tough resilient character, there is a spark of David Alaba in the way he moves and what he can do with the ball. At no point in his short career has he shown any fear or doubt in his capabilities. However, to get anywhere near where the famous Austrian’s level, he will have to work hard and continue his development. Creative and dynamic at the same time with good ball control, he possesses all the ingredients to become a complete and quality player.
Like any other footballer, Yegbe dreams of donning the national colours of his motherland within the shortest possible time. “There is no bigger honour and dream in football than wearing the colours of your motherland and protecting ‘her’ image. It’s everything.”
“I wish to play for the senior national team one day. Considering my age exposure, I am ready to vie for place in the Black Meteors squad.” He added.
So, while Terry Yegbe doesn’t have the world talking about him just yet, if he continues the path he set upon for himself, it may not be long the world will hear of him.
