Ghana’s Finest 22”: Hans Adu Sarpei in the spotlight

Hans Adu Sarpei is considered as one of the finest ‘expats’ players to have switched their allegiance to serve the Black Stars during the early 2000’s.

Sarpei was born in Tema in 1978, but left the shores of Ghana at an early age. Before switching his nationality to play for the Black Stars Sarpei, he was eligible to play for the German National Team but opted not to.

Sarpei represented Ghana at four major competitions from 2000 to 2010 which includes the 2006 World Cup in Germany, 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Sarpei started his senior career with German side Fortuna Koln where he made 44 appearances and was considered a huge prodigy which prompted his transfer to MSV Duisburg.

Duisburg couldn’t hold on to Sarpei for long as German giants Wolfsburg secured his signature and spent over six seasons at the club having made over 140 appearances.

The defender also played for Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04 between 2007 and 2012.

Sarpei found it difficult breaking into the first team of the Black Stars during the 2006 World Cup as he was more of a squad member, as he didn’t make any single

appearance at the global football fiesta.

After the 2006 World Cup, Sarpei became regular for the Black Stars, playing as a full back as he turned out to be very reliable defender during an era where full backs was in shortage for the senior national team.

He featured fully for the Black Stars when they won bronze at 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup where Ghana reached the quarter finals of the competition.

Indeed, Sarpei has had a stellar intentional career with Black Stars and would be remembered for his hard work and zeal that propelled the Black Stars to glory during his playing days.

Sarpei has been nominated for “Ghana’s Finest 22” awards ceremony scheduled to be held in July 2017, but faces stiff competition from Ofei Ansah (Hearts of Oak), Kwasi Appiah (Mine Stars/Kotoko),Frank Crentsil(Real Republikans), Isaac Asare (Anderlecht,Belgium)

The public can vote for their favourite player by texting the names to shortcode 1458 across all networks.