Rashid Sumaila - determined to soar high

Kuwait is an unlikely place for young Ghanaians when choosing a destination to start their football careers but after his botched stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, Rashid Sumaila has no options than to turn to the Gulf region for fresh opportunities.

The Gulf region has become a hub for established players who are at the twilight of their career seeking to call off time on their profession, and for  a young player like Rashid to relish a career start from an obscured place, as far as football is concerned, baffles many enthusiasts.

But Rashid could not be bothered because he is determined to succeed as a footballer and the 22-year-old former Kumasi Asante Kotoko centre- back does not seem demoralised by his current predicament believing his loan spell with Qadsia SC will help him bounce back.

The Cape Coast-born Rashid started his career with Adisadel-based Astronomers in the Central Regional capital before being spotted by Ebusua Dwarfs in 2007 when he progressed through the ranks to earn his debut for the senior side in 2010.

A promising star, the player, who is affectionately called Rush, won the best defender award in the local league in 2011, the same year French side RC Lens expressed interest in him but his trial with them didn’t bring much.

He was baited by Asante Kotoko in 2012 and was part of Ghana’s gold winning Under-20 football team at the 2011 Africa Youth Championship and thereafter has been in and out of the senior national team.