Maxwell Konadu wanted me to be a striker – Ati Zigi

Despite his success as a goalkeeper and currently the first choice for Swiss Super League side St. Gallen, Ghana goalkeeper Ati-Zigi has revealed the unsuccessful attempt by Coach Maxwell Konadu in making him a striker.

Ati-Zigi whose career commenced from Red Bull Academy (now WAFA) played under Maxwell Konadu who was then a youth coach at the club.

The Ghana shot stopper recalls how the former Asante Kotoko manager wanted him to be an outfield player due to his goal scoring qualities but was unsuccessful.

While playing for the U12 side, Zigi will always be changed from his goal keeping position to play as a striker in the second half of games.

Speaking exclusively to footballmadeinghana.com, the St. Gallen goalkeeper narrated how his days under Maxwell Konadu nearly made him an outfield player.

“I played under Coach Maxwell Konadu at Red Bull Academy with the U12,” he started.

“Coach Maxwell knew my potential and wanted me to be an outfield player. In fact he always made me strike for my team.

“He always made me start as a goalkeeper in games and in the second half, he will take me off the post to come and play as a striker for the team.

“He really wanted me to be an outfield player because I was good on the field but my goalkeepers’ trainer didn’t allow it because I was good in the post too,” he added.

Zigi has since become a top goalkeeper with the Ghana senior national team and currently the first choice for the Swiss Super League side, St. Gallen.