History was made on 9 October when Saint-Germain forward Derek-Owusu Lee became the first Ghanaian ever to play in the Euro Hockey League (EHL), Europe’s premier club competition in field hockey.
Born in Adedeinkpo, Accra, Derek’s journey from the streets of Ghana’s capital to Europe’s biggest hockey stage is nothing short of inspirational.
The Euro Hockey League, organised by the European Hockey Federation, brings together the continent’s best clubs and top talent. Since its inception in the 2007–08 season, it has been regarded as the pinnacle of club hockey in Europe. Just so you know, it is equivalent to football’s UEFA Champions League — a stage where only the very best get to compete.
For Derek, taking to the field in such a tournament was more than just a sporting milestone; it was the realisation of a dream born thousands of miles away in Ghana.
“Honestly, it felt amazing,” Derek told JoySports in an exclusive interview. “Being on that pitch in Barcelona was a dream come true. Growing up in Ghana, I always dreamed of playing in Europe and becoming a professional, and here I am today.”
When he finally had the chance to step onto the turf representing his European Club, the emotion was overwhelming.
“I was speechless,” he recalled.
“It felt like years of hard work had finally paid off. I had a chat with my family, and they were so proud. It was a really special moment.”
Derek left Ghana at the age of 15 and has spent the last 11 years in France, honing his craft and building a career that now serves as a beacon of hope for many young Ghanaian players.
“I’m proud to represent Ghana at this stage,” he said.
“I hope my journey opens more doors for others so that in the coming years, we’ll see many more Ghanaians playing in competitions like this.”
His experience with the Ghana national team, he believes, was a key turning point.
“I grew up playing hockey here in France, but joining the Ghana national team in 2020 really changed me,” Derek explained.
“Competing at international tournaments like the Commonwealth Games gave me belief. It showed me that I could match players at the highest level and that gave me the confidence to dream bigger and work harder.”
Now, with young players back home looking up to him, Derek is embracing his new role as a trailblazer and role model.
“A lot of Ghanaians are watching me, so I try to set a good example — both in how I play and how I carry myself. It’s a kind of pressure, but it’s positive pressure.”
He highlights what he believes is essential for Ghanaian hockey to progress: greater investment and exposure.
“The talent is there,” he said.
“But we need more investment, especially in coaching and tactical development. If we can bring in more training opportunities and learn from top hockey nations, it will make a big difference.”
Derek-Owusu Lee has broken new ground for Ghana in European hockey. His story — from a teenage dreamer in Adedeinkpo, Accra, to making history in one of the world’s top club competitions, stands as an inspiration to a new generation of athletes determined to follow in his footsteps.
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