Ghanaian winger Kelvin Ofori (24) came to Slovan Bratislava half a year ago as a mover from rival Trnava. However, he did not make an impact on Tehelno poli and the club sent him on loan to the Slovenian Olimpija Ljubljana before the spring season. Part of the agreement is an option for a permanent transfer.
“Given the smaller number of matches in the spring compared to the autumn and with the width of the squad, we are looking for a form of guesting for certain players. Kelvin Ofori certainly did not disappoint in the matches in which he started. However, he needs game practice, while we have a large number of alternatives and strong competition in his position. I think that with this guesting, we have found a good solution for both parties and for the sake of playing load for Kelvin.
Part of the hosting agreement is an option for a permanent transfer at an amount that, from our point of view, corresponds to the current market value of the player. We’ll see how Kelvin does. Either he will come back well-rounded in the summer, or Olimpija will exercise the mentioned option,” CEO Ivan Kmotrík Jr. told the official website of Slovan.
Olimpija Ljubljana has already confirmed hosting with the option on its website. The amount of the option in the case of a permanent transfer was not specified by the clubs.
Roped by Weiss, then unlisted
Ofori came to Slovan in the summer after a successful engagement in Trnava. “I’m attracted to European football, I want victories and trophies. One of the key factors in my decision was the conversation with the head coach (Vladimir Weiss Sr.). We talked about where he sees me within Slovan. It was important for me to hear and at the same time it sounded very interesting.” explained the career decision.
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Interview with coach Vladimír Weiss st. was one of the key factors in the arrival of Kelvin Ofori to Slovan Bratislava. The 23-year-old Ghanaian midfielder signed a three-year contract in his new place of employment with the vision of playing in the European Cup and advancing his career.
Ofori was primarily supposed to create competition on the right wing for the offensive mover Tigran Barseghjan. From the beginning of his work in Bratislava, however, he received a minimum of space. He did not play a single minute in the European cup competitions, he was not even on the roster since the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League.
When coach Weiss composed the menoslov of players for the league stage of the Conference League, he also preferred son and captain Vladimír Weiss Jr. to Ofori. Despite the fact that he could not play in three of the six matches due to a disciplinary penalty.
Word behind the scenes was that Ofori didn’t fit in the booth and that he wasn’t happy with his game load. Being left out of the roster for the European Cups certainly did not improve the situation.
When Slovan sensationally lost 0:2 at the fifth league Trstice in mid-September, Weiss replaced Ofori in the 39th minute.
“Some players absolutely did not realize that professionalism is also about some duty. Some came to walk around. Some should ask themselves when they come home if they like their profession.” said assistant head coach Boris Kitka.
It was evident that the criticism was also aimed at the skillful dribbler. In the next match, he was not even on the bench. In the following weeks, he did not play more than he did.
Ofori belonged to Rahim Ibrahim, Alasan Yirajang and Sharani Zuberu to the four players who did not come to the team lunch before the last league meeting of the autumn part with Žilina. Weiss punished them by not including them on the match roster.
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Slovan Bratislava defeated Žilina 3:2 at home in the 18th round of the Nike League on Sunday and became the autumn champion. Trainer Vladimír Weiss sr. omitted from the roster four players who violated discipline.
The experienced helmsman criticized the discipline of dark-skinned players: “There’s enough trouble here. Even in the cabin. There’s a lot of those black boys too, and then it’s one thing with the other, it’s already criss-crossing. It’s not good, something needs to be done about it.”
At the end of the fall season, Weiss reiterated that some players have to leave the cabin during the winter. Kelvin Ofori became the first departure of the winter transfer window.
Real Madrid was also interested in him
Ofori started at Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy. “He was considered an exceptional talent. It was clear to me even then that he had the potential to play in Europe and maybe even Manchester City.” said for goal.com Lutz Pfannenstiel, the German talent scout who brought Ofori to Fortuna Düsseldorf as sporting director.
“It’s true, Real Madrid and Manchester United were also interested in him. However, as his father refused to sign the proposed contract, other players were preferred and Ofori remained almost unknown to many.” continued Pfannenstiel.
Ofori was the most talented in his year at the academy. He shone in international tournaments. However, at the age of 17, he sensationally did not fit into Ghana’s nomination for the world championship of this age category.
Cause according to The Athletic was that he refused a transfer to the Danish Nordsjaelland, with which the academy cooperates. “They gave us an ultimatum that if he doesn’t sign the transfer, he won’t go to the WC,” Ofori’s uncle told the source. The academy denied the allegations.
He came to the test in Germany without football boots
The player’s development slowed down for a certain period, he lost the desire to work on himself. He was also motivated by star Leroy Sané, who was asked to do so by a family friend. He soon got an opportunity at an exam in Düsseldorf.
“He arrived after a 16-hour flight, he was completely exhausted. He didn’t even have football boots, but he immediately wanted to join the training. He trained in football boots that were a size bigger and still made a great impression. He was like a pack full of tricks.” recalled Pfannenstiel.
Ofori played two matches in the Bundesliga for Düsseldorf, the majority of his almost four-year career in Germany was played in the second highest competition.
Trnava offered him a record salary
He was most successful after moving to Trnava. He scored 24 goals and 8 assists in 101 competitive matches. Spartak did everything to keep its offensive powerhouse. He reportedly offered him the highest salary in the club’s history.
“We have made every effort to keep him. If we go to extremes, it would not be good for the club or his teammates. Nobody is more than the club. Not even Ofori.” said Spartak president Peter Macho.
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