Renowned Ghana legend Rev Osei Kofi has lauded the talents of Mohammed Kudus, comparing his prowess on the field to iconic players such as Lionel Messi and Ghanaian greats Mohammed Polo and Abedi Pele.
Rev Kofi reflected on his illustrious career and the contributions of fellow legends, highlighting Kudus as a rare and generational talent.
“Some players are naturally talented,” Kofi remarked. “Like [Lionel] Messi, when a team flops, he takes over to make things work. I was given that role by CK Gyamfi. Whenever the team flopped, I had to carry the team. We are about three of us who did that—myself, Polo, and Abedi.”
Kofi fondly recalled the synergy Polo had with the “fearsome five” comprising strikers Peter Lamptey, Mahama Acquah, Anas Seidu, and Robert Hammond.
“Whenever Polo had the ball, the four would move, and he decided who to give the ball to. Such players are rare. After me, there was Polo who came. But now, we have someone like [Mohammed] Kudus. Players like that are generational talents.”
Emphasising the importance of recognizing and nurturing such talents, Rev Kofi noted a critical aspect of team dynamics. “If the technical team were good enough, they would know this. You always have to build the team around an individual,” he said.
However, he also pointed out a significant difference in the motivations of modern players compared to his era. “We were amateurs; we played for the love of the game and for Ghana. But now, they are professionals, so they are playing for themselves to be bought.”