Photo: Frankie Debari
BY: KYLE MAIER, SPORTS EDITOR
With players hailing from Jamaica, Venezuela, Ghana and Denmark, St. Bonaventure University’s men’s soccer head coach Kwame Oduro has built an international roster with diverse skill sets.
Oduro described the scouting approach his staff takes to locate premier talent globally.
“There are showcases all over the world that you can go to and watch these kids,” said Oduro. “We went to Norway [for a showcase] and while we were there, there were Danish kids playing that we scouted who are now on the team. Our player from Dubai, his whole team came to the U.S. for a showcase and that’s how we found Booth.”
Showcases are globally held youth soccer tournaments that college coaches and scouts attend to find players of interest.
Harry Booth, a freshman forward, attended the GEMS Wellington Academy in the Silicon Oasis of Dubai, United Arab Emirates before being recruited to play for the Bonnies.
Booth detailed how Bonaventure initially contacted him expressing interest.
“I attended two showcases in which I saw multiple coaches all from different divisions,” said Booth. “I got recruited through a showcase I attended at DeSales University with my team from Dubai. Then from there I got in contact with coach Suprise and came for a visit last September to watch a game.”
Alex Suprise serves as an assistant coach for Bonaventure.
Oduro spoke on how building a network of contacts within the industry helps him locate potential Bonnies athletes.
“I’ve been coaching for 15-16 years so I do have contacts,” said Oduro. As I speak to you now, I’m probably getting emails asking, ‘Hey Kwame, what do you need for the class of 2025.’” I give them ideas of what I need, they send film over and the process starts.”
Oduro emphasized the advantage of scouting players overseas as a mid-major program.
“Unfortunately, in Division I, the best American soccer players don’t go mid-major,” said Oduro. “They go to the Power 5 schools, the big-name schools. We have to go overseas and try to build our team in that route.”
Graduate midfielder Mo Tall, born in Burkina Faso, explained the value of coming to America to compete on the pitch at a collegiate level.
“Me playing collegiate soccer was inevitable because that is why I decided to come to America,” said Tall. “The opportunity to play soccer at a decent level, coupled with world-class education was always my intention.”
Oduro illustrated what he looks for in a player to fit the program’s culture.
“Maximum effort is a minimum requirement for us. Discipline and durability both mentally and physically. Those are the three values we look for,” says Oduro. “Being at Bonaventure, we don’t have the shiniest objects around. We’re not here to sell you that. You have to work hard, push through adversity and you have got to love the game of soccer.”
Bonaventure’s cosmopolitan club suits up Saturday, Sept. 21 for its first Atlantic 10 game against Fordham University at the Tom 80’ and Michelle Marra Athletics Field Complex. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Sam Sweatman also contributed to gathering information for this article.
maierkj22@bonaventure.edu
