Sports journalist Awal Mohammed has revealed that Richard Kingston, also known as Olele, played a crucial role in reviving the career of current Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare.
According to Mohammed, Asare suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, forcing him to step away from football and venture into a different business to support himself.
He disclosed that after learning about Asare’s situation, Olele reached out to him, guided him through an intense rehabilitation program to aid his recovery, and eventually helped him secure a spot at Accra Great Olympics.
“Two years ago, he [Benjamin Asare] had a severe leg injury, which led to speculations that he had quit football and was pursuing another occupation. It was Olele who contacted him, facilitated his rehabilitation, and later provided him the opportunity to play for Olympics,” he said while speaking on Kessben FM.
The journalist further narrated how Asare was later signed by Hearts of Oak, where his outstanding performances earned him a call-up to the Black Stars.
“Even during the Hearts of Oak transfer, he was not the club’s first-choice target. Solomon Agbesi of Dreams FC was their primary option, but he got injured. The club then pursued Emmanuel Kobi of Gold Stars, who declined the move.
“Asare was their third-choice option, but he was eventually signed, and now he is the captain. His story has completely turned around, and he is likely to play in the World Cup,” he added.
Asare kept two clean sheets when the Black Stars secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad on March 21, 2025, followed by a comfortable 3-0 win against Madagascar on March 25, 2025.
Head coach Otto Addo has since confirmed Asare as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper moving forward.
Watch Awal’s remarks in the video below:
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar
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