Congolese international and hitherto Accra Hearts of oak defender, Raddy Ovouka has left the shores of Ghana to join US second tier side, New Mexico United in the USL championship.
The now former Accra Hearts of Oak left back joins New Mexico United on a one year loan deal with an option to buy, opening a new chapter for the hard tackling defender fondly nicknamed Congo Soldier by the Phobians.
The Congolese international was arguably the best left back in the Ghana Premier League in Hearts of Oak’s victorious 2020/2021 season, playing a huge role in the team’s title triumph and was deservedly crowned the best left back at the Universe Premier League Awards as well as best foreign player of the 2020/2021 Ghana premier league season.
His performances had already attracted several interests outside Ghana, having won the heart of Ghanaians with his excellent performances in the domestic top flight.
Ovouka was loved by majority of football lovers in Ghana and was the fan’s favorite in the league, and that is not lost on the reliable defender who has penned an emotional farewell mesage full of gratitude to Hearts of Oak fans in the aftermath of joining New Mexico.
“To the management of my lovely club Accra Hearts of Oak and the entire Phobian family, I’m so grateful for everything you have done for me, my journey wouldn’t have been possible without your love and support. Teammates, staff, the fans and loved ones,” Ovouka wrote.
“As I am embarking on another challenge in my career in New Mexico United, the love and care you all have shown me will never be forgotten,” he continued.
“As a member of the Great Oak family, it is my dream to visit you again in the future. Phobia will still flow in my veins like blood and the Never Say Die spirit will still live within me. Thank you all once again, may God protect you. Phobia never say die! Bye Ghana,” Raddy Ovouka signed off.
In a related development, Raddy Ovouka told this writer that gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.
“I thank God for making it possible and not forgetting the management of Accra Hearts of Oak, my teammates, the coaches and the fans as well. Without you I wouldn’t have made it this far in my football career, all of you made my stay in Ghana the best ever,” he said.
Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan
