Black stars captain André Ayew honoured his invite by the University of Ghana’s sports psychology class on Friday, July 12, 2024, lecturing students on the psychological aspects of sports at the New N’ Block building.
The former West Ham United player was accompanied by Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang, a lecturer at the Sports Psychology department of the University of Ghana, as he spoke extensively on the mental aspects of sports.
André was omitted from the Black Stars squad for June’s 2026 World Cup Qualifying games against Mali and the Central African Republic.
However, despite the constant setbacks and the recurring battle with the mind, the French-born Ghanaian has always resorted to mental strength.
You must have the a strong mind, the determination to do whatever you want to do if you want to be successful. The journey wasn’t easy [his career] but you’ll have to work on yourself psychologically. You must have the right people around you, to give you the right advice at the right time, he said.
The lecture was in different folds, with the former Swansea player talking about varying subjects, from leadership, self sacrifices, emotions, handling criticism, managing finances, to personal reflections.
Students who were under the tutelage of the veteran were engaged in interactive sessions with the player, quizzing him on his globetrotting career, focusing on the psychological aspects of it.
The hour long lecture concluded with Dede Ayew being handed the ABC Mental Fortitude Award, as well as receiving a citation from the Psychology students, both accolades aimed at honouring and acknowledging his mental resilience.
Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang expressed his profound gratitude on Dede honouring the invite and pledged the occurrence of similar events moving forward.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
