By Kwaku Adjei Richard
Since captaining his Ghana teammates at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup, Usman Musah has focused on leading himself toward a better future.
A fleet footed attacker with a plethora of ball skills and pace to burn, Usman was nicknamed ‘Atwentwe’ by his team-mates, translating literally as ‘The Dribbler’.
However Usman, a likable character with natural leadership qualities, saw little direction or joy in his life prior to the tournament.
Though he was excited to be selected for the Ghana team and honoured to be nominated as captain, Usman lived in the shadow of a dark and tragic past.
As a child Usman’s parents were both killed as a result of violent tribal conflict in Ghana.
He was left orphaned and completely dependent on the charity of his friends and family.
An avid and talented footballer, he became involved in the ''Gimat Volunteer Networt'', a Homeless World Cup national partner project based in the Ghanaian capital Accra.
Through the organisation he was selected to represent his country at the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup as Ghana achieved a record-breaking 8th place finish.
In the six months which have passed since he and his teammates returned glorious from Rio, Usman has been inspired to pursue a happy future and overcome the memories of his childhood.
He said: ''In my life, I have never thought of travelling and having such a unique opportunity to meet people from different countries with different backgrounds. People who can sympathise with the challenges I have faced since my mum and dad died.
''After Rio my attitude towards life has changed. I have altered my perspectives and looked to the promise of the future. I am no longer homeless and I have now settled down.â€
With the assistance of the ''Gimat Volunteer Network'' Usman has set up his own small business selling phones and accessories.
Usman uses his income to rent a room and no longer needs to depend on the good will of others.
He said: "I am now an independent person who sees the future to be bright.
"I thank the organisers of the Homeless World Cup and the people that made it possible for me to take part in this tournament. I hope they continue to enable others to change their lives for the better."