Solomon Asante has quickly settled in the Katangese city
of Lubumbashi, taking in the vibe and becoming a ”Lushois” ( as the
people there are called).
He has fellow Ghanaian, Richard Kissi Boateng for company as they share an apartment.
In the third and final part of the progrmamme, ”En direct avec No.
15), “El Diablo” (as he is called) answers the most intelligent
questions in a very new, spontaneous manner. He talks on his future and
even his private life. Arguably, he comes across as an attacker who
knows how to defend himself.
Q: What are your personal future ambitions? Is going to Europe part of those plans?
SA: I dream of playing in Europe and I am well
aware of the fact that life hold many opportunities. Up to this point,
all has gone well but I am ready for anything. Anytime, I have had
opportunities, I have worked hard to make use of them and that make me
very happy with myself. Now, I would like to win titles with TP Mazembe
and the Ghana national team. My objective is to grow, not only as a
footballer but as a person.
Q: What would be your attitude if your your talent attracts
the attention of a hosts of some of Europe’s big teams like PSG and
Real Madrid? What is your biggest aim: develop with TP Mazembe or move
outside Africa?
SA: I will not hesitate leaving if it benefits me
personally and the club. I am convinced that some clubs will enjoy huge
finances. I envisage that (moving to Europe) and for that to happen, I
must take gradual steps with TP Mazembe. It will be fruitless to
anticipate these things and want to quickly go to Europe. That time
will come.
Q: Taking into consideration your current form and the
pedigree of TP Mazembe, in which other African country would you decide
to play?
SA: I would play for the team that would meet the value of the investment TP Mazembe had made in me.
Q: Will you sign for another team in coming days?
SA: Currently, I am thinking of such a thing. Even if it is true,
things change quickly in football. I have always said that as long I am
with TP Mazembe, it is important that I put my skills to the benefit of
the team. Today, it is not part of my plans. There are no questions of
leaving quickly at this time because I would see it as a huge failure on
my part.
Q: You are on red hot form these days so what would be your
decision if another manager tells you to quit the club without thanking
the Chairman and making false statements as has been the case of
certain players?
SA: The European transfer window closes in a few
days and personally, I am not ready to leave TP Mazembe. Why do you even
insist on that. Do you want me leave or what? The same question comes
up again. (He laughs). If it is possible, I want the club to keep me
forever. That must happen in a transparent way and TP Mazembe must be
happy with everything.
The club bought me and I wish that I would be sold for ten times
more. When clubs purchase players and pay them monthly salaries, it is
out of the question for the players to cause the team to record
losses. One day, if I have to leave TP Mazembe, I would want it to be on
good terms. That will make a very happy person.
I am Christian and my religion forbids me to be ungrateful. In life, honesty forms and teaches man.
Q: “El Diablo” are you single or married? Do you have children?
SA: It ‘s question I would like to avoid to avoid for now. With all due respect, we will talk about that later.
Q: Why the name “Solomon Asante”? One part refers to King
Solomon and “Asante” which means “Thank you” in the Swahili language but
you are Ghanaian from an Anglophone? Isn’t it possible that your father
may have been here in the DRC where he may have had a Congolese woman?
SA: I am from a Christian family. My first Soloman
refers to the Israelite king and Asante talks about my tribe, the
Ashantis. As for the stories about my surname, my father will be the
best person to explain to you. In Swahili, you say that it means “Thank
you” but I cannot explain how I got it. We are all Africans but names do
not mean the same things across the different tribes.
Q: You were virtually locked up indoors during your last
two trips to Accra. How do you feel not having time to visit your
friends and family members?
SA: My place is on the field and not with family
or friends. Professional football has a lot of strong demands and for
long weeks, we are separated from our families and loved ones. I suffer
but I am coping with it and I expect my family to understand.
Q: How does your meal schedule look like? What are your favourite dishes?
SA: I enjoy eating fufu (not the one made with
maize but that of cassava) with fresh or smoked fish. I am adapting very
quickly to Lubumbashi because it is basically the same type of food as
it is back home.
Q: Do you believe in God, the Father of Our Lord, Jesus Christ?
SA: I believe in the one true God through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Almighty.
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