Ghana Black Stars former captain, Stephen Appiah is a clear manifestation of what we call from grass to grace.And of course from the humble beginnings to greatness.
Stephen Appiah has worked hard for many years.From Chorkor, Accra to Turin’s Juventus.
Playing footballer from the dusty fields of local clubs in Ghana to the green pitches of several European sides, including Juventus and Fenerbahçe.
In a short video skit he took us through his humble beginnings from Chorkor to his transformation. In the videdo he described the moment as a living testimony.
Indeed, hard work pays, and now is time for the former Black Stars player to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
Appiah began his career at local club Hearts of Oak in 1995, at 15 years of age. In 1996, he had trials with Galatasaray’s youth squad but was not signed and he returned to Hearts of Oak.
https://youtu.be/oPEVxRikHWw
In 1997, he moved abroad to join Italian Serie A side Udinese, where he initially played as a striker. He spent three seasons with the club, later changing positions during his time there, moving to a deeper midfield position. A transfer to Parma in 1999 was jeopardized by viral hepatitis, but Appiah overcame the illness to move there in the summer of 2000. After two seasons at Parma, Appiah went on loan to Brescia for the 2002–03 season. Appiah became a first-team regular for the Lombardians and scored seven times in 31 games.
Appiah’s success at Parma alerted defending Serie A champions Juventus to his talents. Juventus paid Parma €2 million in the summer of 2003 to secure Appiah’s services on loan, with an option to a permanent €6 million transfer in 2004. In 2003, Appiah finished 8th for African Footballer of the Year.
He went on to enjoy a good first season for Juventus, playing in 30 Serie A games and appearing in the Coppa Italia final. He also made his debut in the UEFA Champions League. In his second season at Juventus, Appiah played in 18 Serie A games.
Stephen Appiah is the current team manager for the Black Stars blessed and we wish him all the best.
