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Almost a month and a half before his 19th birthday, Kofi Babil made his Bundesliga debut in the SCRA jersey on Saturday. We spoke extensively with the newcomer of summer about his story.
It was September 16, 2020 when Nana Kofi Babil landed at Zurich airport in the late afternoon. Almost two months after his official introduction as a new addition, the SCR Altach chapter was finally able to begin. The corona virus had previously frustrated the 18-year-old attacking player and cost him the entire preparation process: it was simply not possible to leave Ghana last summer.
Since this Wednesday afternoon, almost two months have passed. Last Saturday a dream came true for Kofi with his Bundesliga debut. But what moves a young Ghanaian who leaves home at 18 to make a name for himself as a footballer in Europe? What problems accompany a young man immersing himself in a whole new world? We asked Kofi for a detailed interview in which he told his story.
1.) Nana Kofi Babil celebrates her Bundesliga debut, how does that sound to you?
Ever since I started playing soccer as a child in my hometown, I have dreamed of becoming a professional in Europe one day. It was the fulfillment of a childhood dream and an incredibly exciting experience at the same time, a game I will never forget. However, it is only the first step on the path I want to take. It would have been even better if we had won the game.
2.) In the summer a lot of patience was required when there was no possibility of leaving Ghana for a long time. You have been here for almost two months and have overcome your first acclimatization hurdles. Tell us: What was new for you here in Austria?
Almost everything, actually (laughs). And that is still the case today. Whether it’s the weather, the scenery, the way you train here, or everyday things. I didn’t know much and I have to learn first. But I’m getting better and better and luckily I have colleagues who support me in all areas.
3.) You say that almost everything is different here, how can we imagine your childhood in Ghana?
Very protected: I grew up as the youngest of five siblings in Tarkwa. I think I started playing soccer when I was four or five years old. My brothers played too, but for various reasons they all stopped playing. In the last few years, they have been primarily focused on advancing my career. I am very grateful to my family for that.
4.) Keyword Career – Before moving to Altach, he played twelve first division matches in the Ghana Premier League for Medeama SC. What stages of your career did you go through until then?
I started playing soccer with a small club in my home country. I scored a lot of goals there and was eventually signed by Trax Junior FC, a club from Accra. In Accra, I got my first experience in the adult sector and was used in the second division of Charity Stars FC. At the end of last year, the offer came from Medeama, the professional club from my hometown, Tarkwa. There I scored four goals in a total of twelve first division games and was discovered by Altach.
5.) How is Ghanaian football different from Austria’s?
In fact, it is difficult to compare, completely different. Above all, the intensity and physical requirements are clearly different here. I also had to get used to that. Or rather, I’m still adjusting to this way of playing.
6.) Leaving home alone at 18 is a big step. How often do you keep in touch with your family at home?
In fact, every day. Other than my teammates, sadly I haven’t had much time to look for friends here. This makes contact with family even more important to me.
7.) You mentioned earlier that your Bundesliga debut was the first step on your way. What were your goals when you arrived in Altach?
First of all, I want to thank you for the trust that the club has placed in me. My goal is to adapt to the European football style as soon as possible. In the long term, it would be great to be represented in an international competition with Altach.
8.) The fans now know you for the two brief appearances in the friendly against Wacker Innsbruck and against WAC at the weekend. Your agility and speed are amazing. Where do you see your own strengths?
With and without the ball, I always try to run behind the opposing defense and make room for my teammates. At the same time, I am a player who creates opportunities and I have my strengths in scoring goals.
9.) Language is part of getting used to it. Are you already learning German?
Yes, of course, I understand a little. But speaking yourself is really difficult (laughs).
10.) Due to the corona virus, viewers are not allowed until now. How much do you want to play in front of the fans in the stadium?
Very! We have a very nice stadium and I can’t wait for the fans to come to our games.
Profile:
Name: Nana Kofi Babil
Date of birth: 04.01.2002
Nationality: Ghana
Position: Attack
With SCRA since: 09.17.2020
Source: https://newsroom.scra.at
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