Joseph Paintsil, the talented winger for both the Black Stars and KRC Genk, recently spoke about his exclusion from the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as chosen by coach Otto Addo. In an interview on 3FM, Paintsil revealed that this setback actually served as motivation for him to work even harder.
The former Tema Youth star shared, “It motivated me, and I think the same week my father passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Normally, if it were someone else, it would have dampened their spirit, but it had the opposite effect on me. It strengthened me, and I know my father would be happy.”
Despite the disappointment of not being selected for the World Cup, Paintsil remained determined and focused on his football career. He decided to concentrate on his club and give his all on the field. To his delight, everything started falling into place, and he began to excel.
Paintsil acknowledged that while the initial World Cup selection was disheartening, he holds no ill feelings toward any coach. He understands that their decisions must be respected. He stated, “I felt a little bit disappointed in the past, but you never know; everybody has their decision as a coach, and I do need to respect it and move on as a professional footballer with a great mindset. I will do what I need to do on the field of play when I’m given the opportunity.”
Throughout the season, Paintsil showcased his exceptional skills for KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League, scoring an impressive 18 goals and providing 14 assists. Despite missing out on the World Cup, he has proven himself to be a valuable asset for his club, and his dedication and perseverance continue to drive him forward.