Laryea Kingston, an iconic figure in Ghanaian football, has unraveled the unexpected turn of events that led to his transformation into a winger for the national team.
The former Ghana international shared the captivating tale of his positional shift, a twist of fate that unfolded during his second call-up to represent the Black Stars.
Recounting the pivotal moment, Kingston illuminated how he found himself on the wings, deviating from his accustomed midfield role. The stage was set during the preparations for Ghana’s clash against Congo. Upon arriving late at the camp, Kingston was met with the sight of a formidable midfield trio comprising Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, and Stephen Appiah.
In a strategic move orchestrated by Coach Doya, who perceived the midfield as well-stocked, Kingston was presented with an unexpected opportunity—to leave an imprint as the right winger. This unforeseen twist marked a significant turning point in Kingston’s footballing journey.
“The game against Congo, that was my first time I wore the national jersey. I remember we camped in Kenya, and at that time, Doya saw me playing as a playmaker. So, he wanted me to play as a playmaker for the senior national team,” Kingston revealed in an interview with Seienu TV on Youtube.
However, fate had other plans as Kingston’s tardy arrival at the camp resulted in the establishment of a midfield core with Essien, Appiah, and Muntari. Recognizing the surplus of midfield talent, Coach Doya seized the moment to explore Kingston’s versatility. Kingston explained, “But I was the last person to report to camp, and he is new, trying to build his team. He had a position for Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah in the middle, Yakubu Aboubakar in the middle. It looks like he had Sulley Muntari, he had a lot of midfielders.”
With the need for a right-sided player evident, Coach Doya turned to Kingston, asking if he would be comfortable in that role. Kingston’s response reflected his adaptable spirit: “So when I reported to camp, he called me and said, ‘Okay, we have stayed in camp for three days already. They have tried players on the right side, they cannot find someone that can play there. So, he asked me, ‘Will I be comfortable there?’ and I said, ‘Why not? So far as I am on the pitch, I will be fine.'”
This unexpected positional shift not only showcased Kingston’s adaptability but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in his footballing career—one that would see him flourish as a winger for the Black Stars. The story serves as a testament to the unpredictability and serendipity that often shape the narratives of footballing legends.
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