Ayieyam's
mother excited with daughter’s exploits
Akotilie Ayieyam, mother of Jane Ayieyam, heroine of the
national under -17 female soccer team, has expressed excitement about the
exploits of her daughter in the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in
Azerbaijan.
Madam Akotilie told URA Radio Sports in Bolgatanga that she
was elated and the entire family were buried in joy after watching her daughter
play on television and most importantly scoring both goals for Ghana in their
decisive final group match against China that enabled the Black Maidens to make
history by becoming the first Ghanaian female side to go beyond the group
stages of any FIFA world championship.
“I’m very happy and excited because of the performances of
my daughter. I have watched all the Maidens’ matches and anytime my daughter
scores a goal I jump up and scream, ‘goal’ for a very long time,” she said even
as she demonstrated it.
She continued: “In fact, Jane has made our family very proud
and we are solidly behind her in prayers, we have been praying for her and we
will continue to pray for her and the entire team so that they will beat Japan
and go as far as winning the trophy for mother Ghana.”
The mother of the 15 year old Maidens’ striker however revealed
that she initially tried all odd means just to stop the now national hero
from becoming a footballer because of traditional beliefs. All those attempts failed,
and today Mrs. Ayieyam discloses how proud she is to have the player as a
daughter.
“I used to chase her all over town whenever I see her playing
football because our tradition doesn’t allow women to play football,” the
mother of eight explained.
She continued: “But along the line, one Abu who was her
teacher at the primary school level pleaded with me to allow her to continue
with her football career. He had a firm belief that Ayieyam had all it took to
become a star someday, so I had to let her continue her football. Thank God I
did not ruin her future.”
Jane Ayieyam hails from Sandema in Builsa District of the
Upper East Region and she is the sixth born with 7 siblings, four of which are
females. She started her football career with Bolgatanga Ghatel Ladies
before moving to Ashtown Ladies in Kumasi in 2010.
With her sterling exploits’ for the national under 17 female
soccer team, the Black Maidens, she is now a household name in Ghana and her
name is on the lips of many soccer enthusiasts.
The 15- year old has been in sensational form at the
on-going FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, scoring relevant goals in
all of Ghana’s group matches. She is joint third leading scorer of the
championship on 4 goals and has the chance to increase her tally when Ghana
plays Japan on Friday in the quarter finals.Credit: Abagna
Jose Nelson, URA Radio Sports, Bolgatanga
