Ghana defender Edwin Gyimah has been talking about his club football and also what most people have been talking about-his bench-warming role at the recently held Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Edwin Gyimah made Ghana’s 23-man squad to the Afcon but did not get a single minute in the six games the Black Stars played at the competition.
Starrsportsgh.com and Accra-based Kasapa FM’s Alexander Anyankwaa caught up with the former SuperSport United player in a quick chat about his lack of games at the national team, club football and other matters in the Q&A below:
Your lack of minutes has raised questions about your quality over the past few weeks…
Gyimah: As long as it is the national team, in a way it operates like a club so if certain players are maintained it may be for a particular reason [consistency].
What I can say is that, I work so hard. For any call-up, when I get to camp I work so hard. Sometimes, people don’t know how I play or have never watched me play but they [Ghanaians] are entitled to form their opinions about me.
Does the situation get you worried?
Sometimes, I also get worried [not playing]. To be honest, I even feel guilty but at the end of the day, what will you do? You can’t do anything but rather stay focused on improving your game.
It hits me and I wish to get to play just as any player who is invited to the team does. But the regulars are my close friends who I went to the same school with – Wakaso, Jona and others so I give them the respect. But the decision comes more from the coach on who he decides to play.
Prior to the Afcon you were involved in an accident in Obuasi with a lady friend…
I’ve been in touch with her likewise my mother and siblings. I communicated with her even during the Afcon to know how she is recovering. When things happen in the public, everyone tries to have a say which I can’t control. I spoke to my mother to take good care of her while I was away… I know I have to show her some love and we are planning something for her.
You risked your life and joined the national camp with your injury…
There were only some scratches on my face but I was strong enough to be able to join the national camp.
You just terminated your contract with Pirates. What happened?
There was no problem with the team. It was my decision to leave. I took this decision because I have been here [South Africa] for long.
I just wanted to go somewhere else, explore and showcase my talent there too. I don’t want to stay at one place for a long time. It was just about the club and I agreeing because that was the only way I could leave South Africa
So when did you realize it was time to say bye?
I’ve been wanting to go and when the opportunity came I pushed for it. I wrote a letter to the club even before I left to the Ghana camp for the Nations Cup.
When I was coming to South Africa [in 2011], I targeted moving to Europe after two years but the clubs I played for never wanted to let me go because they needed my service.”
Where are we seeing Gyimah next?
I can’t tell for now but everyone will know when something happens soon.
Word to fans
I will urge everyone to stay positive behind the team. We need the support of all because when they [Ghanaians] do not, we feel light. The fans should come back with their support for the Black Stars.
Source: http://starrsportsgh.com