Its 90 minutes of football played, according to Referee John Brooks’ timer at the Liberty Stadium in Wales. Swansea are playing deep against Barnsley, driven by the sheer determination to hold on to their one goal advantage in this crucial Championship Playoff Semi final second leg.

Steve Cooper’s side seem jaded as the away side relentlessly bear on them for one more goal.. a goal that usher them to the final at the Welsh side’s expense. All the Swansea players can barely run; except for one. That’s the man in number 10, the one referred to as the ‘King of Swansea’…Andre Ayew. (Should I add he was the second oldest player for his side on the pitch at the time)

At that stage ‘The King’ rallied his ‘subjects’ as they bristled with fear and panic. Just like a captain assures his sailors on stormy seas to never despair and hang in there, while they wait for favorable winds, Andre Ayew leant a shoulder for his colleagues. Being very much aware of the occasion and how huge it was, the 31 year old knew he had to give everything. Like he had uttered earlier in an interview (as captured by the Athletic UK), “If I don’t give everything that I have, I won’t be at peace with myself. And if I’m not at peace with myself, then I won’t be happy.”

In the end, Ayew was a happy man. Swansea qualified following a 1-1 stalemate. It’s fitting for the context to emphasize that the crucial away goal scored days earlier by same man, Andre Ayew proved the actual difference in this tie. That goal (Ayew’s 17th of the season) is more reason the Jack Boys will test their might against Brentford this weekend, with Premier league qualification on the line.

Andre Ayew reacts after netting winner against Barnsley

Swansea last tasted English top flight action back in the 2017/18 campaign. They are intent on returning after some time in the Championship and this is the closest they’ve gotten in the last few years.

With their future hinging on this game, its time to ask; Will Ayew’s regal presence lead Swansea to their promise land. Its fair to liken the Ghanaian to ‘Moses’ (whose story of leading Israel from captivity in Egypt is an inspirational tale in biblical circles and far beyond). He has no rod, but he has something the football gods reward. An unyielding spirit and belief plus a tough character. He is a striver too, always seen covering every blade of green grass on the rectangular pitch.

These, would be needed just like Moses needed his rod to work miracles…but so too will his experience in the past. He’s been here before. Ghana’s national team captain can cast his mind back to some 12 years ago. The club is Arles Avignon (Guess the name sounds familiar now). I admit readers will be familiar with this episode in Ayew’s career. How about we do a mini time travel and relive those moments.

THE PAST

Andre Ayew, Arles Avignon 2009

The year is 2009, the season is 2009-10 and a 20 year old Andre Ayew has been sent on loan to newly promoted Ligue 2 side Arles Avignon (now dissolved) by parent club Marseille.

Immediately he joins, the club’s ambitions intensifies to pushing for qualification to the French top flight. Its something natural. Ayew is an infectious character. He changes the mindset of those around him. He makes believers out of every doubting Thomas.

And so despite missing a month due to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (which Ghana lost the final to Egypt), Ayew’s influence was telling as he helped Les Lions secure a ticket to play in the French top flight for the first time.

That memorable feat was chalked in May 2010 and we are in May 2021 (Let the imaginations begin).

THE PRESENT

Ayew has been Swansea’s main man in last 2 seasons

Andre Ayew is Swansea’s Mr Clutch. That guy who turns out decisive performances to turn crucial games in the Jack Boys’ favor.

His 17 goals so far this season is just one shy of last season’s tally. In their darkest moment, they will look to the Ghanaian as their lighthouse. That beacon of hope and inspiration. Brentford will know this too well. They’ve already had a taste of the Ayew sauce. He scored the match winner in last season’s Championship Playoff Semi final 1st leg in a 1-0 result (although Swansea will lose the second leg 3-1 and fail to make the final).

Since then, Ayew has helped Swansea hold their own against The Bees. Swansea have not lost so far in meetings against them this campaign. He captained and scored as Swansea earned a valuable away point against them earlier in the season with the clashes between both sides ending in a draw. Saturday will be the most crucial match, and Mr Clutch needs to do what’s he known for.

A GLORIOUS CLIMAXING?

Swansea will take to the field on Saturday with one goal…seal a return to the Premier League. They’ve seen this before, they’ve actually lived it and enjoyed the feeling. But it’s one thing feeling it and another living it.

So for Ayew, the ethos of the family he comes from will tell him, there is no other day to do it than Saturday. To him going all out ( for an eventual qualification) is a must likewise giving his all in the match.

He’s experienced the past, lived the present and will eye a glorious climaxing to what has been a successful season.

May the football gods be kind to him.