The Egyptian league is one of the best and competitive leagues in Africa.One can easily contend that it is arguably the best on the continent.Nadi Al Ahly and Zamalek SC possess ten champions’ league trophies without the addition of other CAF inter club competitions. The Egyptian senior national team, the Pharaohs are the record holders’ of the African Nations Cup with an outstanding seven times. Egypt has produced a lot of African great footballers notably; Hassan Shehatta,Hossan Hassan, Mohammed Aboutrika etc.Egpyt as a powerhouse in African football is not overemphasis.
The exodus of Ghanaian footballers to the Maghreb region has not been an easy road. Many of Ghana’s soccer stars sojourned up north and had their careers hit a snag. Some were able to recover and start all over but others came home crushing to the core. Ghanaian players have had torrid times in countries like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya .But they have had relatively better success in Egypt than any of the Maghreb countries.
Of course, there are instances some Ghanaians failed to glitter due to the alleged bad treatments meted out to foreign players including Ghanaians in those unfamiliar zones. The ill treatments rage from non-payment of bonuses, salaries and signing on fees and other discriminatory tendencies frowned upon by FIFA. In fact these unsporting behaviours have incurred the wrath of the world football governing body which has seen some clubs attracting severe sanctions and fines over the period.
That notwithstanding, some Ghanaian players have defied all these obstacles and have carved niches and made names for themselves in ‘Pharoah Land’.Felix Aboagye is one the best strikers to have graced the Egyptian league .He is one of the few players to have played for both Al Ahly and Zamalek.The likes of Awuley Quaye Jr, Junior Agogo, Samuel Afum have all tasted the Egyptian game before. Even recently Tawrick Jibril, Emmanuel Osei Banahene, etc are making positive waves in Egypt.
Nonetheless, the new Ghanaian export making giant strides in the Egyptian is Patrick Addo.He is relatively unknown in the Ghanaian football circles but well recognized in Egypt. His striking prowess has not gone unnoticed by the Egyptian fans and the press and it was his sterling performances that earned him the nickname, ’The Saviour’.
Born in Accra and a native of Nungua, Patrick Addo started his football career at the prestigious Young Schweppes Colts Club which has produced players like Harrison Afful, David Accam. John Boye etc.At the colts level, his striking abilities earned him the name ‘Pablo’ .He was quickly scouted by the youth side of Accra Hearts of Oak (Auroras) even before finishing his colts years. After series of delays in joining the senior side of the club due to his tender age, Patrick joined Nungua United, a division two side and scored 10 goals in 20 appearances which also qualified them to the middle league in 2007.After just a season, division one side King Solomon FC spotted his talent and signed him to help them qualify for premiership. His goals qualified them to the premiership playoffs but they missed narrowly. Netting 9 goals from 25 appearance .premiership side Berekum Chelsea however saw his contribution and signed him to taste premiership football for the first time in 2009.he made 19 appearances and scored 9 goals to help the club maintain their premiership status and after one season he moved on.
As usual of Ghanaian players, Patrick Addo also decided to seek a fresh challenge and he found himself in Egypt which has consequently become a habitat for his career. He signed for Sharkea Zagazig SC, a second tier side in 2009 and played two seasons for the side scoring 17 times in 37 appearances. Another second tier side El Wasta SC noticed his prolific scoring abilities and signed him .He spent four years at El Wasta and became a cult hero. He captained the side for two years and help the club qualify for the Egyptian playoffs .They missed narrowly in booking their ticket in group D. However the highlights of their league and playoff campaign was Patrick Addo. He scored 16 goals to emerge as the highest scorer in the second tier campaign in group D .In all, he scored 40 goals in 69 appearances for El Wasta in his four year stint with the club which earned him the envious nickname ‘The Saviour’. Injury also cost him almost a season without playing but that did not hamper his goal scoring rates.
In spite of El Wasta’s failure to qualify, Addo’s striking abilities did not go unnoticed by the big clubs in Egypt .All the big clubs virtually wanted his signature. Big spending Wadi Degla SC had extensive neotiations but due to a last minute contractual misunderstanding, talks broke down. However, newly promoted side El Nasr Tar’deen hijacked the deal and snapped the signature of the Ghanaian. This deal was seen by the Egyptian media as the best buy in the transfer window.
Nonetheless, the Egyptian league has commenced with four games played already .after having a difficult beginning, Patrick has finally got his scoring boots on. He snatched the equalizer for El Nasri against Ismaily to halt the poor strings of results for the newly promoted side.One can only hope the scoring will continue unabated considering the proficiency Patrick has exhibited throughout his career. It is early days yet for anyone to think of a Black Stars call up for him but if his performance become consistent just as it has been, coach Avram Grant must consider him as replacement for the ‘Big Boys’.
Having endured the torrid Egyptian moments in the second tier and has starting his premiership debut on a brighter note, the 25 years old is ready for bigger challenges. He has passed through the mill of football development. His efficiency, ability, discipline and professionalism are never in doubt.
ALBERT KOTEY
