Swedish side IFK Norrköping have announced the signing of enterprising Ghana midfielder Azumah Bugre from Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies.
The 19-year old arrived in the Scandinavian country over the weekend to complete the finer details of the move and signed a two-year contract.
Azumah, enrolled at the Sports Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces, joined Hasaacas Ladies in January 2021 and went on to help the side conquer Ghana and West Africa before finishing second to Mamelodi Sundowns at the maiden Caf Women’s Champions League tournament held in Egypt later that year.
“I am here to gain new experiences, work with new people and help the team to the next level,” said the new acquisition.
“Everything has been perfect so far. The people are wonderful, I love the city and the arena.
“Home is home, and I will miss it, but I have felt at home here until I came out and saw the weather. Then I notice that I’m not in Ghana,” she added.
Can you describe yourself as a player?
“I started playing football when I was little and then found my interest and my talent for the sport. The coach put me in a team for girls, then I moved to Accra and on to Hazacaas.
“I am calm with the ball and always give everything, and push my teammates to do everything too. I always want to get the best out of myself and the team.”
Azumah has experience with several of Ghana’s national teams. She was an integral member of the Black Maidens’ quarterfinal feat at the 2018 Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay and recently helped the Black Princesses to secure a slot at the upcoming 2022 Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup slated for Costa Rica.
Late last month, Azumah earned a call-up to the Ghana senior women’s national team – the Black Queens – for April friendlies away to Morocco.
Norrköping coach, Tor-Arne Fredheim also said: “Our previous signings – Burvall, Cato, Townsend, Handfast and Asperot – have been offensive players, although Ebba can play defensively.
“We were looking for a central midfielder who can also play at the back. We have watched many matches with Azumah, and there is a lot of material because she played in both the [Caf] Champions League and national teams.
“She has played in large arenas against good opposition. She is a balanced player, tough, good passing game and good with both feet.
“She is only 19 years old, so she should get into it first, but she has the qualities we are looking for.”
