Southampton's Ghanaian attacking forward Kamaldeen Sulemana. Image: Getty Images
Image: Getty Images
Southampton’s relegation may have ended their time in the Premier League—for now—but one player who managed to catch the eye amid the struggles was Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The 22-year-old Ghanaian winger offered speed, flair, and promise, even though his team was lacking major highlights this season.
In an interview, Sulemana spoke candidly about his football journey, his admiration for African greats, and the pride he feels representing Ghana on the global stage.
When asked which African Premier League player he admired most growing up, Sulemana didn’t hesitate.
“Position-wise, it has to be Jay-Jay Okocha,” he said. “Ronaldinho is my overall idol—we play with that same flair, that love for the game. But Okocha brought that joy too. He played with a smile.”
That joy, Sulemana says, is something he aims to emulate—but with a purpose.
“I want to entertain, but I also want to be effective. Goals. Assists. Not just the flair—end product too. That’s what I’m working toward.”
Ghana’s presence in the Premier League has been steady for years, from Michael Essien to the Ayew brothers. Today, Sulemana is part of a new wave alongside Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Fatawu—both of whom he shares a close bond with.
“My two best friends are in the league—Kudus at West Ham and Fatawu at Leicester,” he said. “Kudus didn’t have his best year, but last season! He was unbelievable. That motivated me. I told him, ‘Next season, I’ll be there too, and we’ll do it together.’”
Though Fatawu is currently recovering from injury, the three remain in constant contact.
“We talk every day. On days off, we meet up. It’s special—all of us playing in the Premier League. It means everything.”
He stays deeply connected to his roots, and when asked to name the greatest Ghanaian to ever play in the Premier League, Sulemana didn’t settle for just one. He first gave the nod to Jordan Ayew. “He’s scored the most Premier League goals, right? So yeah, Jordan,” he said with a laugh.
But then he paused and reconsidered. “Actually, scratch that. It has to be Essien—for what he did at Chelsea. If we’re talking strikers, then Jordan. But overall? Essien. And he coached me in Denmark. He’s a top guy.”
Sulemana is well aware of the demands of English football.
“All the defenders are tough,” he said. “If they play well, I give them credit. If I play well, it’s a tough day for them. It just depends on the day.” He also revealed his ideal African five-a-side team—minus a goalkeeper.
“No keeper—we’re doing small poles. Just football.”
His picks:
Jay-Jay Okocha
Mohamed Salah
Michael Essien
Yaya Touré
Didier Drogba
“Salah on the right, Okocha on the left, Touré and Essien in midfield, Drogba up top. That’s flair and fire.”
Away from football, Sulemana keeps close to his roots. He splits his time between English and Ghanaian food and often visits Elmina Lounge in Southampton.
“Kudus usually knows the best spots. He always orders for us,” he said.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON remains a sore point.
“There are no words for how disappointed we are,” Sulemana said. “We take full responsibility. We’ve apologized to the fans. We know we haven’t performed at recent tournaments—and this one meant a lot to us.”
Still, he’s hopeful about what’s coming.
“We’re improving. The last international break showed that—young players stepping up, veterans guiding them. In Ghana, football is everything. We grew up on the 2010 World Cup—Essien, Asamoah Gyan. Now it’s our turn to give fans something unforgettable.”