Okwuosa: Ajax will make me great
Rangers skipper Okwuosa now wants glory at Ajax Cape Town
ABS dump Kaduna United
Rangers skipper James Okwuosa has
told MTNFootball.com his move to South African club Ajax Cape Town will boost
his career to a new level.
The full interview:
MTNFootball.com: Let us start by congratulating you on your recent contract with PSL side Ajax Cape Town.
OKWUOSA: Thanks, I give God all the glory.
How did it all start leading to your eventual signing with Ajax?
I remember my agent called me some few months ago that there was a possible deal on the line and that I should be at my best. So, when he put a call through to me while we were in Ibadan, I made all the necessary request from my club to embark on the trip and everything is now history and I give God the glory.
But when you left for South Africa, Rangers declared you wanted and placed an indefinite suspension on you...
Before I left the country, I took all the necessary permission but as it is now all that is now in the past and we are all working together as a big, happy family. My dream now is to lead Rangers to be champions again after 28 long years.
How did you coming up in a friendly against Manchester United for Ajax?
It was indescribable. I saw the game as a very great opportunity to showcase my talent to the world.
I was ecstatic to play against such top players like (Dimitri) Berbatov. All through the duration that I played, I promised myself that this was the opportunity to tell the world that James Okwuosah is now a finished product ready to explode to the admiration of the entire football world. Frankly, it was not easy to contribute my little quota in helping my team earn a respectable result from that match.
Were you in any way disturbed that it took a little longer before Ajax eventually gave you a contract?
I would not say that I was really disturbed based on the fact that my manager gave me a lot of assurance. He gave me a lot of confidence before I went in for the last hour of the match and after the game, a lot of my team mates came around to congratulate me. Also, I was made to understand that the CEO was out of town and so the delay.
Are you satisfied with the three-year contract with an option of another year given to you by Ajax?
Things could only get better for me. Looking at where I am coming from you will agree with me that this is a great leap in my career and I hope to make the most of it.
How would you describe Ajax Cape Town?
Ajax Cape Town are the ideal place for a player to improve. They are a completely professional side who can compare with any other club around the world.
Personally, Ajax have the best setup that I have seen since I started going out to try out with clubs outside Nigeria. They are just too good to be a club in Africa and I just hope other top sides in the continent will emulate this club for the good of the game.
Also, the people I met at the club were warm right from my arrival there. It was an unforgettable experience.
What are the financials of this deal?
It is a great deal.
How would your new club compare with Rangers?
Ajax are in a world of their own both on and off the pitch. They have all the facilities to improve you as a player, while Rangers are already a big name not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa. I see Ajax becoming as popular as Rangers in no distant time.
What will give you the biggest joy – your Ajax contract or leading Rangers to win the Nigeria Premier League crown?
Both targets are very close to my heart. For now, one is already in the bag, while the other is on the way. I strongly believe that God will accomplish my dreams.
But unfortunately Rangers lost 3-0 in a very important game at Lobi Stars on Wednesday. Has that not dashed your league title aspirations?
We are still positive we will win the league.
Against Lobi, it was a very bad day for us and the sub-standard pitch did not allow us to play football. But that does not mean that Lobi did not deserve their victory. They took their chances and we did not.
Tell us a little more about James Okwuosa?
I am from Anambra State, Ogbaru LGA to be precise. I started my career in 2007 with El-Kanemi Warriors from where I moved to Lobi Stars and then found myself here in Rangers two seasons ago.
I have been very fortunate in my career as I have in so short a time achieved a lot. This can only get better.
Where will Ajax be at the end of the new season?
We have to do better than last season and with players like George Akpabio and others there, this is the season we wish to stand and be counted.
You were again overlooked by the Super Eagles for the friendly in Niger. Does that worry you?
I am not disturbed because I believe that at the right time I will be there. Don’t forget that Nigeria have so many good players who the coach will pick and if I am left out, it should not raise any dust because to represent your country is a privilege, not a right.
Probably after my contract with Ajax I was now being considered as an overseas-based player. The time will surely come for me to play my country.
Thank you for your time.
You are most welcome.
The full interview:
MTNFootball.com: Let us start by congratulating you on your recent contract with PSL side Ajax Cape Town.
OKWUOSA: Thanks, I give God all the glory.
How did it all start leading to your eventual signing with Ajax?
I remember my agent called me some few months ago that there was a possible deal on the line and that I should be at my best. So, when he put a call through to me while we were in Ibadan, I made all the necessary request from my club to embark on the trip and everything is now history and I give God the glory.
But when you left for South Africa, Rangers declared you wanted and placed an indefinite suspension on you...
Before I left the country, I took all the necessary permission but as it is now all that is now in the past and we are all working together as a big, happy family. My dream now is to lead Rangers to be champions again after 28 long years.
How did you coming up in a friendly against Manchester United for Ajax?
It was indescribable. I saw the game as a very great opportunity to showcase my talent to the world.
I was ecstatic to play against such top players like (Dimitri) Berbatov. All through the duration that I played, I promised myself that this was the opportunity to tell the world that James Okwuosah is now a finished product ready to explode to the admiration of the entire football world. Frankly, it was not easy to contribute my little quota in helping my team earn a respectable result from that match.
Were you in any way disturbed that it took a little longer before Ajax eventually gave you a contract?
I would not say that I was really disturbed based on the fact that my manager gave me a lot of assurance. He gave me a lot of confidence before I went in for the last hour of the match and after the game, a lot of my team mates came around to congratulate me. Also, I was made to understand that the CEO was out of town and so the delay.
Are you satisfied with the three-year contract with an option of another year given to you by Ajax?
Things could only get better for me. Looking at where I am coming from you will agree with me that this is a great leap in my career and I hope to make the most of it.
How would you describe Ajax Cape Town?
Ajax Cape Town are the ideal place for a player to improve. They are a completely professional side who can compare with any other club around the world.
Personally, Ajax have the best setup that I have seen since I started going out to try out with clubs outside Nigeria. They are just too good to be a club in Africa and I just hope other top sides in the continent will emulate this club for the good of the game.
Also, the people I met at the club were warm right from my arrival there. It was an unforgettable experience.
What are the financials of this deal?
It is a great deal.
How would your new club compare with Rangers?
Ajax are in a world of their own both on and off the pitch. They have all the facilities to improve you as a player, while Rangers are already a big name not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa. I see Ajax becoming as popular as Rangers in no distant time.
What will give you the biggest joy – your Ajax contract or leading Rangers to win the Nigeria Premier League crown?
Both targets are very close to my heart. For now, one is already in the bag, while the other is on the way. I strongly believe that God will accomplish my dreams.
But unfortunately Rangers lost 3-0 in a very important game at Lobi Stars on Wednesday. Has that not dashed your league title aspirations?
We are still positive we will win the league.
Against Lobi, it was a very bad day for us and the sub-standard pitch did not allow us to play football. But that does not mean that Lobi did not deserve their victory. They took their chances and we did not.
Tell us a little more about James Okwuosa?
I am from Anambra State, Ogbaru LGA to be precise. I started my career in 2007 with El-Kanemi Warriors from where I moved to Lobi Stars and then found myself here in Rangers two seasons ago.
I have been very fortunate in my career as I have in so short a time achieved a lot. This can only get better.
Where will Ajax be at the end of the new season?
We have to do better than last season and with players like George Akpabio and others there, this is the season we wish to stand and be counted.
You were again overlooked by the Super Eagles for the friendly in Niger. Does that worry you?
I am not disturbed because I believe that at the right time I will be there. Don’t forget that Nigeria have so many good players who the coach will pick and if I am left out, it should not raise any dust because to represent your country is a privilege, not a right.
Probably after my contract with Ajax I was now being considered as an overseas-based player. The time will surely come for me to play my country.
Thank you for your time.
You are most welcome.
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