It’s his second season with Bekwai Youth Academy and already Thomas Gyawu is already a cult hero. It’s difficult to explain who Thomas Gyawu actually is. Exhibiting power, stamina and maturity beyond his years, Gyawu played a leading role in helping the Bekwai based club to gain promotion to Ghana’s second tier league. The reliable centre-back scored 2 goals with 3 assists in 12 appearances to propel his club to the Middle League where he again scored 2 in 4 games ensure promotion into the Division One League becomes a reality for Bekwai Youth Academy.
Born in the mining town of Obuasi, the 19 year old has had playing stints with Sam Jonah Babies, Kessben Academy, and Eleven Wonders before joining Bekwai Youth Academy. Few gave him the chance to succeed but Gyawu’s appetite for a big impact on elite- level football was not sated. “I have come this far by believing in myself and I hope to do more than what I am currently doing. I will continue to learn and do more.” He quipped.
Gyawu is a mature performer and leadership comes naturally to him. He executes his defensive and other assigned duties efficiently and effectively. His playing style has won the most plaudits. He could be Ghana’s next Samuel Osei Kuffour given the way he approaches his defending: smooth, subtle and extremely stylish. Samuel Osei Kuffour is a legend in Ghana and the fact that the teenager has been compared to him is a huge compliment.
Gyawu is incredibly gifted in possession and a key component in starting attacks from defence. He’s also shown the capability to play at full-back due to his speed, and also in defensive midfield given his ability on the ball. He excels well with the ball at his feet and also confident enough to play passes between the lines and is always looking to get the ball quickly. His composure is terrific- a perfect mix of Gerard Pique and Giorgio Chiellini. Being naturally two-footed is another great quality, which is rather rare among stoppers.
In the event of a misjudged interception, he is not averse to breaking up the play with a tug on the shirt to halt counter attacks. Because he commits the foul early and high up the pitch, he is rarely booked for indiscretion.
Thomas Gyawu is however expecting a very tough season in the Zone 2 of the Division One league but is optimistic his club, Bekwai Youth Academy will be ready and in a good position to rub shoulders with their competitors. “We (BYA) are expecting a very stiff competition in the Division One.” We will be coming up against clubs that were once household names in Ghana’s Premier League but trust us to cause upsets when the season begins.” He dreams of playing in Europe and compete in either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa Cup.
Like many teenagers, Gyawu has some growing up to do. First he’ll need to gain some upper-body strength if he wants to compete at the highest level on a more frequent basis. The learning curve is steep but Gyawu has the raw ingredients to improve with the right guidance.
