Kiwi Players Elsewhere

Kwabena Appiah (Nakhon Ratchasima | Thailand)

361 replies · 85,003 views
over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

One of the 3 signings announced by the Wanderers today. Born in NZ, but lived in Aussie since he was 8. He has been a part of the CCM youth side for the past couple seasons.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/centralcoastmariners/news-display/Oneonone-with-Kwabena-AppiahKubi/45312

http://www.footballnsw.com.au/index.php?id=554&tx_ttnews[pointer]=6&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=6414&tx_ttnews[backPid]=537&cHash=be5746953c

He has impressed in the NSWPL this season, but doesn't appear to have played in any age group teams for Aussie. If he turns out any good, maybe we can have a word to him about playing for NZ.

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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

AS he surveyed the surrounds from the centre of Parramatta Stadium, eyes wide open, smiling broadly and with a battalion of television cameras trained on him, Kwabena Appiah-Kubi could barely believe what was happening.

Unveiled minutes earlier as one of three official signings for new A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, the New Zealand-born, 20-year-old of Ghanaian parents was awestruck as he tried to comprehend the magnitude of the occasion.

"It's unbelievable . . . I don't know really how to react," Appiah-Kubi said as the media lined up to talk to the young man some in the game believe could be the "next big thing" in Australian soccer.[/quote]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/next-big-thing-kwabena-gets-urge-to-wander/story-fn63e0vj-1226408339523

[quote]Parramatta FC head coach Lee Sterrey is confident Kwabena Appiah-Kubi will be a hit in the Hyundai A-League after signing for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Appiah-Kubi is the first player to be signed to the new franchise from the NSW Premier League after scoring six goals early in the season.

http://www.nswpl.com.au/index.php?id=554&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=6607&tx_ttnews[backPid]=537&cHash=3d51f30045

These are his 6 goals this season:

Rnd 4 @ 14:35 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQbTHx_EcAY
Rnd 7 @ 11:04 & 12:38 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf9n2z3qisg
Rnd 8 @ 3:58 & 5:39 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9MMBx8lphQ
Rnd 10 @ 1:02 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZQHcYZq5HE

 

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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Isn't he signed with CCmariners youth team?

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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

abris wrote:

Isn't he signed with CCmariners youth team?

He was announced as signed by the Wanderers yesterday, I guess CCM didn't extend his deal.
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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
If he does ever go on to represent NZ, best name since Christian Bouckenooge! The West Sydney supporters will make their club some serious money in shirt sales and name lettering with a name of that length lol
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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Did he sign a U21 contract or a standard contact?

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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

abris wrote:

Did he sign a U21 contract or a standard contact?

No mention of his contract being a NYL contract. So I would think he is on a first team contract, with him being one of the three u21 players.
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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I hope he's good and I hope he thinks he's more Kiwi than Aussie! 

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over 13 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Luis Garcia wrote:

I hope he's good and I hope he thinks he's more Kiwi than Aussie or Ghanian! 

People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people.

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over 13 years ago

abris wrote:

Did he sign a U21 contract or a standard contact?

No mention of his contract being a NYL contract. So I would think he is on a first team contract, with him being one of the three u21 players.

He has a youth contract according to wikipedia

 



14FWKwabena Appiah-Kubi (Youth)

 

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over 13 years ago

He is one of the u21 spots in the main squad.

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over 13 years ago

He buzzed about a bit, looked lively and got involved but not really any significant touches

Normo's coming home

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about 13 years ago

Was pretty anonymous

a.haak

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about 13 years ago

Australian ala Mitch Cooper. Move on


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about 13 years ago

tripvincent wrote:

Australian ala Mitch Cooper. Move on

Yes, exactly they are exactly the same situation .... born in NZ and never been selected in any age grade Aussie teams V born in Vanuatu, possibly qualifies for NZ by residency and captained the Aus u17 side.
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almost 13 years ago

Anyone think he'll get a call up?


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almost 13 years ago

I remember aussie commentators saying he wasn't interested in playing for NZ

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almost 13 years ago

joshyboy007 wrote:

I remember aussie commentators saying he wasn't interested in playing for NZ

He hasn't been in any Aussie age group sides. If he got a call up, can't see him turning it down. Not that I think he should, I haven't been that impressed so far.
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almost 13 years ago

Who is eligible to represent RR? Aus? NZ? and the country of his birth?

It would be interesting to see if he is good enough to represent Aus (if he can) - especially after winning the league with WSW...

I watched most WSW games this season and although he hasn't played too much - he has certainly improved. He is no Hersi, but given his young age, he would be a great addition to the AW.


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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almost 13 years ago

Who is eligible to represent RR? Aus? NZ? and the country of his birth?

It would be interesting to see if he is good enough to represent Aus (if he can) - especially after winning the league with WSW...

I watched most WSW games this season and although he hasn't played too much - he has certainly improved. He is no Hersi, but given his young age, he would be a great addition to the AW.


He's improved but still hasn't done anything to stand out as yet. I'm sure he'll have a blinder in season 2. either that or popovic feels he has to persevere with him given he was one of their first signings


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almost 13 years ago

he's also playing out of position isn't he as well. natural CF?


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almost 13 years ago

tripvincent wrote:

he's also playing out of position isn't he as well. natural CF?

Cause we are short of those :o)

Grumpy old bastard alert

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almost 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

tripvincent wrote:

he's also playing out of position isn't he as well. natural CF?

Cause we are short of those :o)


Well Smeltz, Killen & Fallon aren't going to be around forever JV


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almost 13 years ago

Who is eligible to represent RR? Aus? NZ? and the country of his birth?

It would be interesting to see if he is good enough to represent Aus (if he can) - especially after winning the league with WSW...

I watched most WSW games this season and although he hasn't played too much - he has certainly improved. He is no Hersi, but given his young age, he would be a great addition to the AW.

Born in NZ to Ghanian parents and raised in Aussie. So has 3 options it looks.
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almost 13 years ago

Who is eligible to represent RR? Aus? NZ? and the country of his birth?

It would be interesting to see if he is good enough to represent Aus (if he can) - especially after winning the league with WSW...

I watched most WSW games this season and although he hasn't played too much - he has certainly improved. He is no Hersi, but given his young age, he would be a great addition to the AW.

Born in NZ to Ghanian parents and raised in Aussie. So has 3 options it looks.

From memory Ghana has a pretty stacked side with European based players, so either we or Aus will get him.
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almost 13 years ago

I guess it will come down to the age old question...am I good enough for Aussie? Once he answers this question he'll probably make a decision. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt him to call him up to the friendlies leading up to November methinks.


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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almost 13 years ago

Thought he was good in the derby over the weekend - however still think Fenton would be a better call up than him


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almost 13 years ago

^ That's an interesting one. The Fenton of the start of the season - definitely.

The only thing is that Louis is already playing for a NZ age group team and will definitely play for the AW if he continue to perform whilst Kwabena could declare for Ghana or Australia...

So my reasoning is that we should cap him just in case he explodes and becomes the next big thing.


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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almost 13 years ago

Ive read that we've already approached him but hes declined already ??? and hasnt even wanted to be part of our age group sides. Guess hes holding out for Aussie

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almost 13 years ago

Yes I've hear he isn't overly keen on us as well.
Still worth a try I think. Hard to tell if he is ever gonna make it as a Socceroo. And even if he does, would he rather play 15 games for them or 70 for us??

I'm sure if he gets a call up he'd be thinking long and hard about what to do


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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almost 13 years ago

You would think if an offer came up to play international age group football one would take it, as it wouldnt prevent you from switching allegiance later on in your career

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almost 13 years ago

I guess he seems himself more of an Aussie than a Kiwi and fair enough if he reckons he could play for them one day.

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almost 13 years ago

Where have you guys read that?


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almost 13 years ago

Would be hard to say no to a spot at the U20 world Cup if we qualify for it today... especially if he's not likely to make the Aussie team and misses out there.

Arguebly the biggest scouted competition in the world (second to maybe the World Cup itself, but by then you are usually known already). Would take a good set of balls to turn down that kind of opportunity for another that may or may not happen.

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