Does the name Jeff Addai rings any bells in your ears? No, perhaps not now but the Canadian-born Ghanaian star who features for USL side Tulsa Roughnecks is the hottest box to box midfielder in America currently
The 25-year- old whose father Samuel Kwame Addai is a retired footballer is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in modern soccer, and that has kept him away from the revolving big lenses that are usually on the tail of talented players elsewhere.
Astute sports writer Edmund Okai Gyimah of footballmadeinghana.com caught up with the enterprising midfielder for an exclusive interview.
EOG: Tell us about your self
JA: My name is Jeffrey Kwabena Addai, I am 25 years old born grew up in Canada with both of my parents being born in Kumasi, from the ashanti tribe. My dad is Samuel Addai played football growing up around the same time as the great Abedi Pele. Played in Ghana then went to England and due to family reasons moved to Canada and continued to play there and eventually brought my mother over Helena owusu. They started a great life in Canada and Now have a church for over 15 years called living praise ministries. I grew up in the church alongside my older brother Godwin Addai. (Former soccer player and currently my agent and owns the management company opsmpro) and younger sister Maya Addai (who is a rugby star at Carleton University).
EOG: How did your career started.
JA: My career started at the age of 4. I looked up to my father, uncle, and dad who all played. I was playing locally and by 13 captained Ottawa south united and dominated Canada at the youth level with them until I was 17. From there I received a full scholarship and graduated from the University of South Carolina. Before graduating I had my first professional experience with KF Tirana 1st team for a short spell. I later played with my local professional club Ottawa fury in the NASL and lost in the finals against the New York cosmos and the great Raul’s final professional match. After Ottawa my teammate and the team Canada captain at the time (Julian Deguzman) opened the doors for me to go to Germany where I played with Mannheim and fell I developed so much during my time in Germany. After there I had a short spell with 1 Dezembero in Portugal however experienced some Visa issues but truly appreciate all the club provided me while I was there. I currently now at a very exciting time and important stage in my career. I signed with the Tulsa Roughnecks in the USL championship. Looking to be a leader and play a big role for the team this season as well. My head coach Mike Nsien has been great to me and I’m very excited to learn and continue to develop under him
EOG: What are your aims and aspirations for the season at Tulsa Roughnecks
JA: My aims this season is to enter the playoffs and from there push to the championship, I also hope to get a national call up this season. Being Ghanaian and Canadian is special but also difficult in deciding who the goal with be to represent. But I feel I need to look at it in football terms and see what country wants me and what team I really fit in.
EOG:Who is your role model
JA: My role model all my life has been my older brother Godwin, I would follow him everywhere as a kid and I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now without him
EOG: What motivates you as a footballer
JA: As a footballer I’m very determined to reach all my goals and build a name for myself and my family. I want to reach as high as I can and I don’t see myself ever being satisfied until I’m done and accomplish my goals.
EOG: Do you fancy playing for Ghana or Canada
JA: Like I said before I think between Canada and Ghana it’s more about what team I fit in more. Both countries are in my heart and I love both evenly
EOG: Have you ever been to Ghana before
JA: Yes when I was younger I went to Ghana with my mom for half a year and was living in Kumasi at my mother family house directly behind the Kotoko stadium. I still have memories playing in the front yard with my cousins and chickens all around one day dreaming about playing in the stadium behind me in front of thousands of fans
EOG: Your favourite Ghanaian player
JA: I have plenty of Ghanaian players I truly admire from the golden group. For example Prince Boateng, Sulley Muntari, and of course Michael Essien, not only because post people say I play identical to him. But I will have to say my favourite is Stephen Appiah just because he was a leaderin the middle of the Park and I aspire to be like him.
