Braydon Manu says he is ‘incredibly proud’ after earning his debut national team call-up, revealing he was completely surprised when Ghana coach Charles Akonnor invited him for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
According to the Germany-born winger, the culture of the African country is part of him indicating he is well versed with the Ghanaian tradition and speaks the local language of Twi fluently despite being born in Europe.
The 24-year-old was last week handed his first Ghana senior national team call-up when he was invited for next month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.
Manu’s impressive display in the German Bundesliga II for SV Darmstadt 98 was noticed by the Black Stars handlers and was invited alongside Daniel Kofi Kyereh of St. Pauli for the two games to be played on September 3rd and 6th respectively.
“It makes me incredibly proud to have been nominated for my parents’ home country,” said Manu as he traveled to join the Black Stars for the first time in his career,” Manu said.
“I grew up with the culture, speak the language and have always felt like a Ghanaian. I know the enthusiasm and emotions the ‘Black Stars’ arouse all over Ghana, and it is unbelievable that I am now part of this team myself.
“When I found out about it, I was speechless at first. And that rarely happens to me. I still can’t quite believe it and will probably only realize it when I’ve actually made it to the national team.”
Manu joined the Black Stars for the first time on Tuesday as they traveled to Cape Coast when the match against Ethiopia will be played on Friday.