By Stephen Boye
Ghanaian and West Ham United midfielder, Mohammed Kudus made a monumental comeback to his roots, his former school in Accra, Nima Basic 1, on Monday June 30 2025 to make donations of football kits and books to the pupils as part of his #KudusDream initiative under the Bazaki Foundation.
The West Ham United star was welcomed by excited students and tutors at the school, where he began his basic education. The visit which was dubbed, 鈥淜udus Mohammed School Homecoming Visitation鈥, was supported by global sports gear brand, Sketchers with the aim to empower young pupils and athletes through education and sport.
鈥淭his is where everything started for me,鈥 Kudus said. 鈥淐oming back here isn鈥檛 just about giving but also, a reminder to these kids that it鈥檚 possible. I was once one of them.鈥
The former Nima Strong Tower FC midfielder went on to share his early beginnings in the same classrooms the pupils are studying in currently and his current status as an international professional footballer.
鈥淚鈥檓 just here to shed a little light on my story and how I got to where I am today. I started mostly like all of you studying in the school here. But at the same time, I had a passion for football, just like most of you.鈥
Kudus also made a blueprint of his assertion that education is very important even in the world of sports. He indicated that success on the pitch also demands knowledge and communication skills off it.
鈥淚n the football world, you need your basic education and you need to take your education very seriously. As a footballer, you need to understand how to read your contracts, speak on interviews, talk to people and engage.鈥
The former Ajax midfielder expressed utmost gratitude for the warm welcome and described the donation as a small way to give back to the community that nurtured him.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just a little gesture to show my appreciation for all the support and the education I鈥檝e been through to get to this point.鈥
To conclude in his speech, Kudus encouraged the pupils to value their studies regardless of the paths they hope to pursue.
鈥淚鈥檓 just here to encourage you all to take your education very seriously. Because whatever job you want to do, I think the basic fundamental of it is education. I just want to tell you guys I love you all and thank you for the reception鈥.
Teachers and education officials present described the gesture as both timely and meaningful.
鈥淭his visit will stay with them,鈥 one teacher said. 鈥淭o see someone who sat in these same classrooms now giving back at this level changes how a child thinks about their own future.鈥
The #KudusDream initiative is a personal project launched by Kudus Mohammed to support the underprivileged communities, especially Zongo residents in Ghana. Since its inception, Kudus Dream has sought to bridge gaps in access to learning and sporting opportunities, whilst encouraging the younger generation to believe in their potential regardless of their background.