“Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.” Although originally coined by Albert Einstein with no intention of referring to football, let us briefly borrow this elegant phrase to aptly capture the remarkable accomplishments of a modest Madina-based club in a fitting tribute to the renowned physicist.
The Vision FC family is bursting with pride. Never in their lifetimes did they think they would see something like this. Vision FC has been promoted to Ghana’s elite football division for the first time in their 25-year-old existence, and this family has rallied around this wonderful team. But, what they stand for off the pitch, and the brilliant leader they have in Michael Osekere Aboobo, makes this team one to be truly proud of.
The beauty of this team and what they represent is that it isn’t about individuals. Collectively, they have never wavered in their messages and, led by their charismatic manager Hamza Obeng, they have stuck to their guns at every turn.
Bafflingly booed in the friendlies and in some games during the off-season, the players never wavered in their belief they were doing the right thing. As they kept winning and grew into the league until they earned promotion.
Crucially, the players have an open attitude towards games; they want victory. Unsurprisingly it’s a big reason for their success. It harks back to youth coaching and their ability to take on information, their thirst for knowledge and their experience in trusting their management structure. Few clubs in the country can match the relationship between the hierarchy and the players.
With regards to how far Vision FC have come under the tutelage of Obeng, the players are of course the biggest reason – but don’t underestimate the work of the innovative Obeng. He's worked hard to ensure the players respect the colours of and the vision of the club.
In the past, when players joined the club, they perceived it as a mere vacation destination. However, under the guidance of the ex-Accra Hearts of Oak assistant coach, the players have developed a deeper respect for the club. Presently, the players eagerly anticipate playing for the club more than they previously did. How many other clubs similar to Vision FC can boast of such dedication from their players?
There have been no problems with the players either – no in-fighting of factions. It takes a monumental effort to bring together players from around the country and nurture them into winners.
For a club that was synonymous with major defeats and little impact in Ghanaian football, it’s credit to Obeng and his backroom staff that the mentality shift with the team has taken place in such a short period of time and reaped such clear dividends.
Timing is crucial in football, and the relationship between the discipline of Obeng and the quest for knowledge in such a unified group of players has come at exactly the right time. The next step is to build on success, for Obeng to find ways to ensure the ‘Eewo’ lads keep on winning beyond their heroics in the Division One Zone Three.
Of course, Obeng deserves huge credit for inspiring this team and uniting the fanbase, but as individuals and a collective, there is a whole lot to be proud of. This Vision FC team knows exactly what they stand for. They are the team for equality, for everybody.
There’s only one direction that Vision are going in at the moment: upwards. Everyone in Madina now recognises the leader (Michael Osekere Aboobo), with his name continuously chanted whenever he’s spotted in the vicinity at public gatherings.
His unmatched desire, along with Obeng and George Aforklenyuie’s cunning plans, makes anything possible for the club, and he is looking to the future as much as he is trying to make good of the present.
