New look, new ambitions: Majeed Ashimeru targets Black Stars success
Majeed Ashimeru’s rise from his days at WAFA in the Ghana Premier League to become a standout midfielder for the Belgian giants, RSC Anderlecht, is nothing short of inspiring.
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His exceptional ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and deliver pinpoint passes first caught the eye in the local league, and now, he’s making his mark on both the club and international stage.
Although Ashimeru is still fighting for a regular starting spot in the Black Stars, his commitment to the national team under the guidance of the head coach, Otto Addo, is unwavering. He’s keen to play his part in the team’s resurgence and is determined to help the squad achieve success.
In an interview with Flashscore.com, Ashimeru admitted that Ghana’s recent performances had been far from ideal, with the Black Stars managing just one point from two 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
However, the midfielder remains optimistic about the team’s potential to overcome the sluggish start and secure a spot at the tournament in Morocco. Ashimeru and his teammates are expected to assemble later this week for a crucial AFCON qualifier against Sudan on Friday, October 11, at a venue yet to be confirmed.
"We know what Ghana demands from its players, so we’re going all out to win the upcoming games and, hopefully, qualify for the AFCON," he stated, acknowledging the weight of expectation but exuding confidence in the team’s abilities.
Ashimeru made his debut for the Black Stars in 2021 against South Africa but had to wait another two years for his next appearance.
Since late 2023, however, he has become a regular fixture in the national squad, featuring in eight out of 12 matches, including the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire under former coach Chris Hughton.
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His recent appearances have come under the tutelage of Otto Addo, a coach Ashimeru holds in high regard.
Reflecting on this new chapter in his international career, the 26-year-old player expressed his delight at working with Addo and his optimism about their future collaboration.
"It feels amazing to be called up because we have so many talented players in Ghana. Working with Otto Addo is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. He’s a good coach, and I feel we can achieve great things together. It feels good to be part of his plans," he said.
Ashimeru’s experience and growing influence are vital for a Black Stars side eager to turn their fortunes around. The midfielder emphasised the need for unity and resilience within the team. "We’re taking it step by step, but I believe we can go far because we have some amazing players. We’re just hoping for the best and will keep pushing forward," he affirmed.
The journey to this point has been far from straightforward for the talented Ghanaian. After several loan spells during his time in Austria, few would have predicted the heights he would eventually reach.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ashimeru has established himself as a key player for Anderlecht and made his mark in European competitions.
In a symbolic gesture of personal and professional transformation, he parted ways with his iconic dreadlocks three months ago, ushering in a new chapter in his career.
Reflecting on his decision, he told Flashscore, "I felt the need to start afresh after six or seven years, so I decided to cut it down and begin again. It’s a new look, a new mindset, and I’m excited about the journey ahead."
Ashimeru recently reached another career milestone when he featured in Anderlecht’s 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros last Wednesday in the Europa League.
The match marked his debut in Europe’s second-tier competition, having previously played in the UEFA Champions League with Red Bull Salzburg and the Conference League with Anderlecht.
The 2024/25 Europa League season has introduced a new format, replacing the traditional group stage with a 36-team league phase. This means more matches for the participating teams, a prospect that Ashimeru relishes.
"The more games you play, the better it is. It’s a fantastic feeling. Personally, I think it’s great to have so many games in this new format," he enthused.
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Despite his enthusiasm, Ashimeru has had to deal with challenges regarding his game time. Out of his six appearances this season, only two have been starts as the club carefully manages his workload following previous injuries.
However, with his determination and talent, Majeed Ashimeru looks set to continue making his mark both at Anderlecht and with the Black Stars, forging a new path under the mentorship of Otto Addo.