The Humbling Story Of Mandela Azeko From Zuarungu

Humility and Perseverance,

.......THE HUMBLING STORY OF MANDELA AZEKO FROM ZUARUNGU

A feature written by Offei-Akoto Ayeh

President Nelson Mandela was South Africa's first President, a feat he achieved not on a silver platter, but through hard work, endurance and persistence. Through persistence, Mandela captured independence for South Africa, and also brought a close to apartheid rule that had segregated the country. Persistence, humility and endurance are morals drawn from the story of the industrious son of Africa and these elements are ingredients for success in all endeavors.

Such is the story of Azeko Mandela, a young footballer who hails from Zuarungu a suburb of the Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Mandy as he is affectionately called by his peers grew in Zuarungu. With the dream of becoming one of the best football talents in the country, the dazzling striker joined the then Young Juventus where he started to nurture his young talent.

The journey at Young Juventus was not a rosy ride. Players had to endure playing on "sakora" and erosion ridden pitches and most frustratingly, financial assistance was lacking but Mandela never gave up on his dream. Young Mandela stood the test of time in order to better himself and nurture his young talent.

As some players of Young Juventus gave up on their dreams, Mandela kept pushing harder because, his vision of qualifying his team for the Second Division and also bettering himself at what he knows how to do best.

Qualifying Young Juventus for the Division Two League did not end the hardwork, but was rather seen as a platform to further build his talent and to work extra hard. As players displayed a laize faire attitude towards training and their personal development, Azeko never did same.

"Coming to training on time and personal training before and after group training was Azeko's hallmark. Although he was far from the training venue, he never missed training sessions without an imperative excuse. I am not surprised of his exploits and I believe he will go places." These were the words of Coach Fatawu Salifu popularly known as Coach Kiyoyo, as he described Mandy.

The change in majority share ownership and re-branding of Young Juventus in 2015 to F.C TANGA brought in a sigh of relief and hope for brighter days. Azeko now had access to training and playing logistics and some financial assistance that motivated him to do more.

Mandela Azeko carried the young team on his shoulders and with assistance from members of his team, F.C TANGA qualified for the Division One League with an unbeaten record. Mandela's role in qualifying the team for the Division One was unparalleled as he dazzled spectators with his skills, his "Usain bolt" speed and his goal scoring prowess.

"Azeko was our man of the moment; he scored the vital goals when we needed them most. His contribution to our qualification was unique. We will miss him and the classic goals he used to score for us," Coach fatawu said.

Qualifying from Division Two was not joke and F.C TANGA, knowing the difficulties in Division One has prepared itself for the herculean task ahead. Players have had the opportunity to travel from their comfort zone in Bolgatanga to the nation's capital, Accra as well as Brong-Ahafo, where F.C TANGA played some other Division One, Two and Premier League Clubs to measure the strength of the players.

The straw that broke the Camel's back was when F.C TANGA featured in some Pre-season tournaments where Mandela Azeko became the player that many spectators wanted to watch again at any given time. He won the hearts of many including all local and foreign scouts who were present for each of the tournaments.

It did not come as a surprise to F.C TANGA management, when Mandela Azeko after a short stay and trail with Kumasi Asante Kotoko won the hearts of it management and had to sign him to play in the Premier League. It will help his career and make him a "better player".

Mandela Azeko will feature in Ghana Premier league for the Porcupine Warriors when the League commences on February 20th and will take the country by storm as he warms himself into the unarguably Best Premier League Club in the country for now.

Mandela Azeko loves F.C TANGA and wishes the Club well; unfortunately, he will miss an opportunity to be part of the Club as it prepares to be the first Club from the Upper East region to qualify for Ghana's Premier League. Qualifying for the Premier League from the Upper East region, is the dream of any serious and ambitious Player, Coach, Management and Club President here in Upper East region. No amount of money can bring that pride and joy.

END