21-year old Richard Gadze has been one of the finds of the Indian Super League. Relatively unknown in the world of football, it was indeed a risk by the Delhi Dynamos authority to sign the Ghanian but it has certainly paid off for the Lions. Through to the play-off stages of the competition, Delhi Dynamos have been one of the most consistent sides of the tournament and much of it can be credited to the consistent performance of their young striker.
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With four goals and an assist to his name so far, Gadze stands tall as the top scorer in the Dynamos colours, and be it from the bench or a spot in the starting XI, the prodigial talent has rarely left Roberto Carlos and his side despondent. The African has quickly cemented his place amongst the Delhi crowd with his goals and what has impressed them the most has been his impressive work rate even when the side has had an off day.
Sportskeeda sat down with the former Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs forward in an exclusive interview.
Q: How would you describe your Indian Super League journey so far?
Gadze: It has been good for me and my club. The whole team be it the technical team, staff they have all helped me to settle in here and as a result we have reached the semi finals of the ISL for the first time in the tournament’s history. It has been a great learning experience for me so far and I am thankful to the Delhi Dynamos team.
Q: A lot of international players come towards the end of their career, you came at such a young age. Has it been a wise move?
Gadze: Yes, it is. I thought a lot before coming. Talking about the likes of Riise, Malouda, Carlos we all know they have done well at the big stage and have had huge careers. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from them and they have pushed me forward. I feel it has been a great decision. A two month period is not short for me at all. I have been learnt a lot and I feel the duration has been just fine for me.
Q: Where do you see yourself after this tournament?
Gadze: I can’t say much now since I am only concentrating on the ISL, but it is every player’s dream to play for their national team and that is where I want to be in the future. I don’t think I will play in the Ghana league now. I am considering offers from European clubs. I have contacts, but let’s wait till January and then see what happens. Back to ISL? I can but that depends on the staff if they want me back. I am thankful to India for giving me the first taste of professional football and I owe them a lot.
Q: Was it easy for you to adjust into the conditions here in India?
Gadze: Yes, it was easy for me. The reception, the stadium, the facilites have been quite impressive. I have been relaxing with my team, they are all friendly and have helped me adjust to the new surroundings here.
Q: A lot of times you’ve from the bench to score the all important goal, what is the brief from Roberto at that time?
Gadze: I think it is good for a player to win the trust of his manager. When I come in he doesnt talk much because he knows what I am capable of and that is good for me as it gives me great motivation and has helped me perform well despite the minutes being less.
Q: How has Carlos been as a head coach?
Gadze: Roberto is not just a coach, he is a father. He is calm, he is a genius. He is always up to the task and it is easy for me to play under him. He knows how to guide the team under pressure and when to do the changes and that is very important for any coach to succeed. He has pushed me, I have seen myself grow as a different player under him. For me personally he has been a great head coach and not just for me but the entire team for that matter.
Q: Top scorer of the side but failing to make a place in the starting line-up more consistently. Is it frustrating?
Gadze: I believe as a footballer it is important to embrace your time on the pitch even if it is for a minute. I am always there to enjoy the game and always there if my team calls for me. Carlos has the big decision to make, on who will stay on the bench. If I start you’ve seen how I perform and when I start from the bench you’ve seen what I can do. He knows best. I am fine with whatever decision he makes.
Q: How has the experience been of playing alongside Robin Singh and Adil Nabi?
Gadze: Robin is a good player. We talk as friends. He is mature than me so when he talks I listen and that has helped form a good partnership upfront. Nabi has been unlucky not to get a lot of chances but he is a good player. I like his style a lot and in training we understand each other a lot and things are going really well between us. We are co-ordinating better and we haven’t had any problems.
Q: How easy has it been to play with Malouda being the creative source behind you?
Gadze: Malouda is a great player. He has helped and given me a lot of good advice to settle down well and improve my style of football and has helped me grow in this tournament. Even in the dressing room and on the pitch he has been a great mentor for me and he is a player with great experience and I feel its not just me who is benefiting from it, but the whole squad.
