Augustine Ahinful shares why he didn’t push his kids to become footballers

Former Ghanaian footballer, Augustine Ahinful has said that he allowed his children to choose their own career paths instead of compelling them to become professional footballers.

He explained that this decision was influenced by his personal experience growing up, when he played with many talented youngsters who were expected to become stars, but only a few succeeded.

The former Black Stars forward stressed that children must take their education seriously regardless of their career choices, as it would be crucial for their future.

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Speaking on Sports Check aired on GhanaWeb TV, Ahinful noted that he discovered his footballing potential after school, hence children should not be forced into football or any other profession.

“I never pushed them into playing soccer because, growing up, when I was playing Colts football, there were a lot of good players, better than most of us but only a few became the stars we expected. So I’ve advised many young kids: yes, take keen interest in sports, but don’t neglect education. If you are going to be a professional sports person, it will become evident when you get there.

“But if you neglect education and fail to succeed in soccer, what happens to you? That’s why I never pushed my kids like some people do now. I allowed them to decide. If they want to play football, it will become clear in time. For me, I was playing soccer everywhere, but I wasn’t really interested in becoming a footballer until I finished school, maybe it was meant to be. My brothers had played while I was still in school,” he stated.

He further disclosed the current state of his children, saying: “I allowed them to make their own decisions, and two of them are graduates. The third is in university, and my fourth, a girl, is also in university. Thanks be to God.”

SB/JE

Watch the latest episode of Sports Check with ex-Black Stars forward Augustine Ahinful