By Kwame Bediako
Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has opened up about his tough early life, revealing on The Delay Show that his road to professional football was far from easy. He explained that during primary school he sold polythene bags while studying and also trained as a carpenter, steel bender and bus conductor to make ends meet.
“During my primary school days, I sold polythene bags while studying. I also trained as a carpenter, a steel bender and a bus conductor.”
Early hustle and mindset
Asare described himself as a “hustler” who had to take on multiple jobs even while chasing a football dream, showing how survival often came before glamour. ”Despite my football career, I still made time to do all of these things because I was a hustler and had to survive.”
His willingness to juggle labour‑intensive work with football training highlights the resilience and discipline that later carried him into the Black Stars squad.
Inspiration for young players
His story serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks, poverty and odd jobs do not disqualify someone from reaching the top; persistence and hard work can bridge the gap. By sharing these experiences, Asare sends a message to young Ghanaian athletes that struggle is often part of the journey, not the end of it.
