Darpoh’s loving life in his new country

Leaving his home country at the tender age of 16 was one of the hardest decisions that AmaZulu’s tough-tackling midfielder Samuel Darpoh has ever had to make in his young life – but he may have an even harder decision to make in the near future.

The 19-year-old Usuthu player could find himself having to decide between his home country Ghana and South Africa if he were to be called up for national duty. At the moment, Darpoh is only eligible to play for Ghana, but if he continues to impress in the Premier Soccer League, it is not inconceivable that the South African Football Association could make moves to get him. He has yet to be capped by the country of his birth.

“That would be a really hard situation to be in. I love Ghana but I have also come to love South Africa and it is my home too,” he said when asked what he would do if he were to get an Amajita or Bafana Bafana call-up.

“I would have to make a decision when that time comes ... for now I want to focus on improving my game and working hard to be the best I can be,” he added.

Darpoh joined AmaZulu’s development ranks at 16 after his cousin John Arwuah, who is a former Usuthu and SuperSport United player recommended he join him in South Africa.

“He was at home during the off-season and he saw me play. He told me I should come with him because he could see I could make it in South Africa. He has made it more bearable for me because being away from my family is difficult sometimes but he has been a good mentor to me,” said Darpoh.

After graduating from Usuthu’s academy at 17, Darpoh had to wait another year before he could make his debut for the team as he could not secure a work permit because of his age.

“I was training with the senior team but could not play official games because I had to wait until I turned 18. I was so happy when it finally happened. Every youngster grows up dreaming of playing professional football for a big club and my dream had become reality.”

He told Phakaaathi that he was so excited the day he heard AmaZulu had secured Thanda Royal Zulu’s Absa Premiership status.

“We heard stories that we would be relegated after just one season but they didn’t bother us because we knew what it took to play in this division. Cavin’s (Johnson) arrival has also boosted us immensely because even though we were playing well under the other coach we were unable to keep possession of the ball for long.

“Also playing alongside Michael Morton is helping me grow. We have enough experienced players in this team and I can assure you now that we will be in the top eight by the end of the season. We are not even thinking about relegation,” he said.

Although he has been in South Africa for three years now, Darpoh said he is still getting used to the food here and listed inhloko (cooked cow head meat) and pap as one of the foods he is yet to try. Usuthu are one of the teams who have a young squad but Darpoh insists they make up for that with hard work and unity.

“You may field a team of older and more experienced campaigners but if they do not pull together and work for each other you won’t win games.

“But you can field a side of youngsters and they will do wonders if they are united and work hard,” he explained.