Does the surname “Barnes” rings a bell in your ears? Certainly yes if you are a lover of football and followed the Ghana national under 17 team in 1991 and 1993.
Joselpho Barnes who plays for the Under 16 team of German Bundesliga Side Schalke 04 is the son of former Ghana National Under 17 skipper Sebastian Barnes and the youngster is ready to follow the foot steps of his father by representing Ghana.
The six feet tall right-back is undoubtedly one of the best hidden secrets in modern football as despite his exploits in the junior bundesliga with Schalke which saw him playing every single game this season and leading the Gelsinkirchen-based club to win the trophy, he has been able to stay off the limelight and from the revolving lens of the world media.
Sports Journalist Edmund Okai Gyimah caught up with this budding talent and he spoke about his life, his decision to play for Ghana and also his exploits with Schalke.
EOG: Tell us about your self and how your career started
JB: My name is Joselpho Barnes, son of Sebastian Barnes. I was born here in Germany on December 12, 2001. I started playing football when I was six at a club called Neitersen. When I was 12 I moved to Bayer Leverkusen and then to Bergisch Gladbach then after to Fortuna Cologne. I was finally scouted by Schalke 04 Under 16 and that is where I have played for one year now.
EOG: How was the just ended season
JB: It was excellent for me, I played almost all games and assisted goals also as we win the league.
EOG: What position do you play
JB: I play as a right back and I can also play as a right winger
EOG: Your father won the Under 17 World Cup with Ghana in 1991 and also captain the team to second place in 1993 in Japan. Have you made your mind already concerning whether to play for Ghana or Germany
JB: My dream is to play for Ghana and I am eyeing a call-up into the Ghana National Under 17 team
EOG:Who is your role model
JB:My Dad is my role model and I also look up to Ronaldo Nazario
EOG: There are two Ghanaians at Schalke namely Baba Rahman who is on loan from Chelsea and Benard Tekpertey how is your relationship with them and have you met them before
JB: Unfortunately, their training times are different from ours so I hardly meet them
EOG: Generally have you been following Ghanaian football and what are your impressions
JB: Yes, I do follow Ghana football a lot, we have talents but we need to improve more to win a World Cup.
EOG: What are your future expectations as a young footballer coming up
JB: I want to be a professional player and also win titles with Ghana and any club I play for
EOG: How is the standard of youth football in Germany
JB: Is very very high, talents, facilities, Coaches, everything is good
EOG: What should people expect from you in the near future
JB: The future will certainly be bright and time will tell.
EOG: Thanks for granting me audience
JB: You are always welcome.