Former Black Stars defender John Painstil revealed how his football journey started and how the late President John Evans Atta Mills discovered his talent.
The former Ghana right back indicated he was spotted by the late president during the inter regionals football competition in the Upper East region in 1999.
Painstil, who was unsure how far the game will take him then, said he took his chances when they came and that was how the journey to a successful career began for the 36 year old.
Speaking to YFM’s Trigmatic on the Myd Morning Show he revealed he found out he could take the game serious when he was discovered by the late President at the tournament in Bolgatanga.
“That was when I was discovered by our late President, Prof. J.E.A Mills,” he said on YFM. “When we were playing inter regionals in Bolgatanga, in 1999, and I was selected to play for Ghana Academicals, and the team was camped here in Accra.”
“We played one friendly in Nigeria against Nigeria Ulshere and was sponsored by the Shell Petroleum of Nigeria. We played one in Ghana and one in Nigeria, so from there I realize there was opportunity and if I keep pushing and doing well, the sky will be the limit.”
“So, from there I also had the opportunity to play for Berekum Arsenal from Division One to the Premiership and then the opportunities started coming.”
The defender, who was a key member of the Black Stars team that qualified for the World Cup in Germany 2006 went on to play 89 times for the national team.
He captained the Black Stars at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and played for several clubs in Europe including English Premier League sides West Ham United, Fulham and Leicester City.
The 36 year old was recently assistant manager at South African Club Kaizer Chiefs.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin