The journey of former professional footballer Lenox Tweneboa is an inspiring one for those across the Football Canterbury community.
Words: Clement Tito
While he is currently involved at LFC Sports in Lakemba, the Ghanian born 34-year-old has been through an appreciable journey.
A career that has taken him from the NPL to southeast Asia as a fulltime professional, Tweneboa’s footballing passion arose from modest beginnings.
“The biggest motivation for my involvement in football would likely have been watching the France 1998 world cup matches as a 9-year-old with my family in our living room,” Tweneboa told Football Canterbury.
“Up until that point my exposure to football was limited to playing in the primary school playground with a tennis ball.”
Invited by a friend to participate at the local level, Tweneboa was flabbergasted at the idea that such a thing as community football existed.
“Until the age of 11, I had no idea about the grass roots level and suddenly I found myself on a cold winter's night under the flood lights of our local club on a decent sized pitch and goals with nets.”
Things blossomed from there for the young man, despite 11 years of age being a later start than most for one’s football passion.
Tweneboa’s affinity for the sport as junior even motivated family members to step out of their comfort zone to help him realise his dreams.
“Interestingly, the impetus for my mother obtaining her driver’s license was due to the amount of travel required of our team during the youth levels.
“Prior to that point, mum did not have an imminent need for a driver's licence.”
Loving the sport also translated into acquiring habits that would become beneficial later in life.
Now 34 years of age, Tweneboa credits football for instructing him with life lessons he may never have recognized without playing the game.
“Football also required a commitment to training, which at the time for me was loads of fun.
“I didn't realise it at the time, however over the years training would accumulate into a great deal of discipline with time and structure to my week.
“The game has provided opportunities to win with respect as well as how to lose with grace. the occurrence of Injuries along the way also have played a role in learning patience, discipline, and determination.”
The most fulfilling period of his playing days arrived in 2008 when his first professional opportunity came knocking.
For a player from such humble origins, the chance to realise a dream seven years on from it’s genesis was particularly stunning.
“As an 18-year-old I was offered my first professional contract in the NPL2 first grade competition. At that point in time, I was simply content to get an opportunity to compete in the U20s squad, so to have received a pre-season call up to a permanent spot in the first grade team was unbelievable.”
Reflecting on the resilience and boldness of his prime playing days, Tweneboa is now in a position to offer unique insight for the next aspiring footballers.
Coaching his son’s under seven’s team provides a full circle moment for the man who forged his own, distinct path to high level football given the void of opportunities at the time.
With that wisdom and lived experience behind him, Tweneboa is relishing the idea of helping his children’s generation.
“My hope is to be able to inspire and help young footballers from the grassroots level along their respective journeys to wherever their journey leads them.”
