I slept in a suit the first night. I was so proud.
Christopher Bonsu Bah shines.
In the photo shoot – some time after signing his first professional football contract – the 18-year-old made no attempt to hide how much it means to sign a four-year contract with Sarpsborg in 08.
He was so proud that he asked if he could take the club’s kit with him on the day he signed.
– It’s been a long, long journey, says the Ghanaian to TV 2.
He has trials for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.
At Sarpsborg 08, he caused chaos when he had the chance to play in the trial.
– This is the best test player I’ve ever seen, was the verdict of TV2 football expert Yau Amankwah after seeing Bonsu Bah in a practice match against Stromsgodset.
Surprise: Two things have surprised Christopher Bonsu Bah while living in Norway so far: snow and the prices in the shop. – I just say wow, is the sentence of 18 years. Photo: Øyvind Brattegard/TV 2
Expectations are high for the 18-year-old ahead of the Elite Series kicks off on Monday.
But the road to Norwegian football and Sarpsborg 08 wasn’t just a dance of roses for the great talents from Ghana.
Second Easter Sunday: Watch the Eliteserien Opening Day tv 2 play.
She did not tell the family
At the age of 16, he left his homeland. The talent seemed indisputable and the plan to get Christopher Bonsu Bah ready for European football was well planned.
The choice fell on the youth academy in Spain.
For a boy from Ghana, it was a lot of new things to deal with. The mother, Teresa Akosua Sarpomah, has become an important supporter on the phone from her home country.
But one day Teresa didn’t answer again.
– Normally, I used to talk to her every day. My mom and I were close when it came to football. I asked how things were going and she supported me. Although I was a little angry, I kept my calm. But one day I had not heard from her for four days. I thought “Wow, what’s going on?” Bonsu Baah explains.
He called his older brother, with whom he also had a close relationship.
– He said she just went out to buy something. But I felt something was wrong. Sometimes, you just feel like something isn’t quite right, says Bonsu Baah.
What the family never tells Christopher Bonso Bah is that his mother has been ill for some time.
Gone: Sarpsborg 08 player Christopher Bonsu Bah used to talk to his mother Theresah Akosua Sarpomah on the phone every day. When you suddenly didn’t answer for several days, I realized something was wrong. Photo: private
In the end, she could take it no longer.
– I think it took four days from the time of her death until I found out. At first I was angry that no one had told me, but later I realized they were just trying to help me, says Sarpsborg 08’s new rising star.
He wanted to protect the star
The family’s plan at first was to protect Christopher. The idea was that he should be able to focus on his football without being distracted.
– I almost laughed a little because they lied to me like that. At the same time, it shouldn’t happen to a young boy trying to make his dream come true. He says it can completely destroy you.
He also never attended his mother’s funeral.
– My family and the director knew how close I was to my mother. If I had gone there, I might have done something stupid, says Christopher Bonsu Bah.
Where it all began: Christopher Bonsu Bah started his football career at Stamford Heroes in Ghana. She then moved on to Shooting Stars, where a plan was quickly devised to take the great talent to Europe.
to Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad Isaac Ansa, the hotel’s 18-year-old manager, had previously said he could not return home from Spain because his residence permit was waiting to be renewed.
Far from his family, Christopher was grieving.
Sometimes the soccer dream felt lost.
– I was 17 years old, I didn’t have a contract and I was disturbed. I was frustrated and sad. But thanks to my older brother, my boss, and those around me, I got my motivation back. Bah, they helped me keep going, says Christopher Bonsu.
He still has regular contact with his family back home.
– I can’t talk to dad much, because he doesn’t have a smartphone. But I salute him through the rest of my family, Sarpsborg 08 player confirms.
I showed up for my favorite club
Although Christopher had a difficult time personally in Spain, he consistently showed on the pitch that he had something special about him.
Over the past few years, he has established himself at some of the biggest clubs in the world.
AT MANCHESTER: Christopher has proven himself for Manchester United – although he later admitted he had a greater fondness for the city’s light blue club. Photo: private
– I remember looking at the logo on the jumpsuit. Barcelona, Manchester United, Dortmund… I had to laugh about that. Who am I to be here anyway? Bonsu Baah says of the trials he went through.
At the same time, it wasn’t just about constantly showing off in new clubs.
After all, Christopher was 17 years old and lacking a contract.
– It was a little disappointing, because everyone told me that I was very good. But I never knew what would happen next. He says it made me a little frustrated.
In retrospect, memories last a lifetime anyway. Especially the stay in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bwhich at that time was his obvious favorite club, made an impression. Now Manchester City sailed as one of the clubs he was really looking for.
– I was tensed. He says it was a dream come true.
WITH THE STARS: At Barcelona’s training ground, Barcelona’s shooting star Gavi was greeted by, among others, the great talent of Sarpsborg. Photo: private
You will honor the mother
At the same time, it was a dream come true when Christopher Bonsu Bah finally landed his first professional contract.
– It means a lot to me and my family. He says I am very happy to get this chance.
There is no doubt that expectations are high for the 18-year-old. Yao Amanquah’s tribute to the young star was unquestioned.
He’s got a good education: Sarpsborg 08 coach Stefan Bilborn has been impressed with how well 18-year-old Christopher Bonsu Bah has been educated. Photo: Øyvind Brattegard/TV 2
At Sarpsborg 08, coach Stefan Bilborn made it clear that he sees huge potential in the youngster. At the same time, he asks for patience.
– I think the most important thing is for people to see what Christopher expects to be like, not what he is now. I also think it’s important for Christopher himself to understand that he has many years ahead of him. Remember, he’s still young, says Belborn.
Create your own Fantasy Team here.
At the same time, he pays tribute to the mentality of the boy who turned 18 in December: very ambitious, willing to learn, defensively good and good on the ball are the words he keeps repeating.
Christopher Bonsu Bah himself sounds pretty humble on his own behalf.
– I just ask everyone to stick together and help each other achieve our goals, he says when asked about his ambitions for this year.
– But what do you wish to achieve for yourself?
– I want to help the team win matches. He says: I want to help the team achieve goals and assists.
– Do you look like a team player?
– Yes. If you do things alone in life, it will take a long time to achieve things. He says if you do it on a team, it will go faster.
Christopher Bonsu Bah’s dream is to play in one of the biggest leagues in Europe. But the first Bodo/Glimt awaits on Monday.
– My older brother said that “My mom just wanted to see you play soccer, make my mom proud”. Although she is no longer alive, I feel she is still with me, says Sarpsborg’s new shooting star.
Second Easter Sunday: Watch the Eliteserien Opening Day tv 2 play.
A smile is in place: Even though he’s had a couple of difficult years, Christopher Bonsu Bah found it easy to find his smile. Now it is ready for delivery on the field at Eliteserien. Photo: Øyvind Brattegard/TV 2
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