Former Asante Kotoko defender Awal Mohammed has revealed his move to Asia coursed his exclusion from the Black Stars.
“I remember some of the executives didn’t like my move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Shabab, someone from the Black Stars called to tell me not to move to Asia because I was a future player for the team but I told them I also have a lot of things to do”, he said In an exclusive interview with ghanasportspage.com.
I played inside the country, I showed myself and everyone got to know that yes, this is Awal. From South Africa, I moved to Saudi [Arabia]. When I was moving to Saudi some of the officials (referring to GFA officials) didn’t like it. They called me in a personal conversation and asked me not to go, but I declined because I also have a lot of things (responsibilities) to do.
According to the Ex-Maritzburg United defender, the Asian league is even better than some in Europe
I didn’t know why because when you go to Saudi and other places you will see other nations’ players there, you see them going when it’s time for national team assignments.
So I don’t understand why the moment you move to those areas then your national team (in Ghana) stops calling you up [for national team assignments].
But it’s the same national team players we play within Asia who play for their respective national teams, so I don’t know why. So it’s due to my move to Asia that made me lose my place in the national team.
“There are so many European countries who’s league are not competitive compares to Asia, their game requires a lot of hard work and strength”, he added
Awal Mohammed made a debut for the Black Stars on 31 December 2010, for a CAF Tournament. He also participated in the 2014 World cup qualifiers as well as the African Cup of Nations.
Awal began his career with the Feyenoord Academy. On 10 July 2010, he joined ASEC Mimosas on loan. After his return in November 2010 to Feyenoord Academy, he was sold to Asante Kotoko. In August 2012, Awal joined South African Premier Soccer League club Maritzburg United.
The former Al-Shabab player together with the other two Ghanaians has help Gokulam Kerala FC win the Indian Premier League title for the first time.
