Okocha: It is not enough to be a local hero!
Jay-Jay Okocha is one of the greatest players to have ever come from the African continent. His skills and dribbles became famous all over the world when he took the Bundesliga by storm after joining Eintracht Frankfurt. Jay-Jay has done what Tashreeq Matthews is trying to achieve. In this exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma’s David Kappel the Nigerian, who now works as Bundesliga ambassador and visited Mzansi for the Bundesliga Legends Tour, talks about what the young South African must do to succeed in Germany and why more local players should go overseas, before previewing the upcoming clash between his country and Bafana Bafana on Saturday.
David Kappel: Jay-Jay, South Africa’s Tashreeq Matthews recently joined Borussia Dortmund. It is, of course, very exciting for the country to finally have another player in the setup of a Bundesliga club. What do you make of his move?
Jay-Jay Okocha: I have not heard much about him. But to be honest, for Dortmund to sign him, he must have something special. Hopefully he will go on and live up to expectations and develop, you know. But it will take some time – he will need to get used to his new environment, new culture, new mentality. It is not going to be easy but, of course, it is all up to him. He has to survive to succeed, but he has got every opportunity now and it is up to him to grab it.
DK: He is now 18 years old. You were 17 when you moved to Germany. Tell us a bit about how your transfer came about…
JJO: Well, my move was not really planned, because I went on holiday. Germany had just won the 1990 FIFA World Cup, so I had the opportunity to get a German visa and to visit one of my friends, who played for Borussia Neuenkirchen in the third division at the time. But I had in mind to also try and play or see if I have the possibility just to train. So one day I went to training with him, and in the end, the manager asked me if I could come back the next day. He was surprised with the way I was playing and liked what he saw.
DK: How long did you spend there before you moved on to Frankfurt?
JJO: By the time I got my playing licensCe, I had to go back to Nigeria to get a work permit and that took a while. The season had already started. In the end, I started playing just before the German winter break and then I finished the season with them. Then I got offers from Bayern Munich and Saarbrucken. With Bayern, it t did not work out because I was und derage and they could not give me a contract. At the time, I did not understand u the rules, so I said I can n stay with them without a contract, b but they also did not know how to go o about it back then. That is why I ended e up signing for Saarbruc cken. But also with Saa arbrucken, I could not play with them be cause I was sti ill underage. So I had to go back Neuen - kirchen and played with w them after the e winter break, a nd then Frankfur rt came for me and a they
knew how everything worked.
DK: From your own experience, how difficult is it for a young African player, who comes from a different culture and language, to adapt to living in Germany?
JJO: It is not easy to adapt to everything. I think it is a bit easier now because we have more foreigners playing in Germany now. Also, people are more aware of what they are going into. I did not know what I was going into, but now we have a lot of Africans who have played there, South Africans as well. Hence, the young South African boy will be better prepared than I was.
DK: Did the club help you? Did they organise German lessons?
JJO: Oh, yes, they helped me a lot. Even the manager, he took me to his house for weekends, you know. And there was another Nigerian player in the team, which made it a lot easier.
DK: Why do you think it’s important for African players to go overseas at a young age?
JJO: I think you have better structures there. You know, you learn more about the game and you learn it quicker than here. You are provided with everything that you need. The facilities are great as well. The excitement is also something special, something to motivate you to succeed. Overall, you will be better equipped than here in Africa.
DK: What would be your message for young Tashreeq Matthews to make the most of this massive chance for his career?
JJO: Well, I would say that he should not be afraid of the challenges that he will face, especially at the early stage, you know. Let the curiosity of learning something new be his strength instead of weakness. He needs a strong mindset to go through that new adventure and be curious to learn. learn DK: You have been a regular guest in South Africa over the years; this country is almost like a second home to you. Why do you think not many
SA players go overseas these days? JJO: That is what I’m struggling to understand because I have not done my research on the South African league. But it is obvious that the league is much better than other African leagues. Maybe they are comfortable here, but they have to look at the bigger picture – it is not enough to be a local hero! If you are a global hero, a legend, you will benefit more.
DK: Truer words were never spoken! But let’s just quickly switch to the Bafana vS Nigeria AFCON qualifier this coming weekend. In SA, everybody is very excited and still raving about the 2-0 win in Nigeria. Do you think it will be different this time?
JJO: Definitely! I mean, the picture is clearer now. Back then, Nigeria had many absentees and almost played with a second-string team. But now, the stake is high! For both teams it is a must-win game, or maybe Nigeria must not lose. We do not have to win, but we must not lose because one point is enough to qualify. It will be an interesting game because whenever Nigeria is playing against South Africa, there is a huge motivation for the South African players.
DK: How is it in Nigeria? Is it also seen as a big rivalry?
JJO: No, we do not see South Africa as our rivals, but we know that they are very tough opponents. Maybe the Nigerians who are living here see that as bragging rights, but I do not have to go with what fans make of the game. I speak as a football personality, somebody who has been there before, you know. So I know they are not our rivals, but it is always a good match to watch.
DK: Odion Ighalo, who has scored six goals for Nigeria in the last six games, is out injured. How much will Nigeria miss him? JJO: Oh, Oh w we will miss him a lot because he ha as been in great form. But at the same e time it is an opportunity for another r player to shine. Players are craving g for opportunities and this might b be the chance for another one to step p up. But in attack I do not think w we are lacking players, you know. We have many quality players. DK: And your prediction for the game? JJO: Well, may the better team want to enjoy the game. to see a good, very cometitive match. Of course, my heart is with Nigeria, but if South Africa deerve it, they should win.