 |
| Mr Kwame Attakora-Seater of The Week |
This is the maiden edition of Sports Seat. It is an exclusive interview with the Sportsmen of MATESA - published weekly. The first interviwee to sit on Sports Seat is Mr Kwame Boakye Attakora. He tells about himself, MATESA and also sports (football).
Who is Mr Kwame Boakye Attakora?
I have always found this question very complex to answer mainly because as a person I am constantly evolving as a result of my experiences but I guess basically i am a Fante-Ashanti boy working towards making my hopes and dreams a reality.
What was your experience like in secondary school?
Secondary School was fun, like all my experiences. I was in Achimota School between 2010 and 2013. Funny thing is I didn’t actually plan on going there. Growing up my dream secondary school was PRESEC, Legon but I ended up at Achimota due to an error on my part when I was selecting secondary schools to attend. I chose PRESEC, Legon but mistakenly wrote down the Achimota School code. As for how that happened I don’t know. I guess I was predestined to be an AKORA by all means. I was a science student in Gyamfi House and partook in lots of extra-curricular activities. I played a lot of football in secondary school.
Materials Engineering. Were you given the programme or you really wanted to do it? What informed your decision if you chose it?
I am a bit of an artist myself and growing up I’ve always been of the opinion that Engineers are the purest artists out there. Being an engineer has never been my dream, I’m not going to sit and lie about that, but realizing halfway through my young-adult life that this is something I had a passion for is one of my finest moments as a person. I guess it is the moment I finally started getting to know myself better and Materials Engineering is the first step of my journey as an artist. It is a very beautiful phase and I am enjoying every bit of it. Who knows where my passions will lead me to next.
How has the programme been so far?
A worthwhile experience. I didn’t know what to expect coming into this field but I must admit that the course as a whole has not only changed, but broadened my perspective on the creative process.
Why did you choose KNUST among all the other institutions in the country and beyond?
Simple. If I was going to study engineering, and I mean any form of it, I was going to do so in an ideal environment, and KNUST, being situated in my hometown, more than provided the logistics I considered ideal.
Has there been any challenge pertaining to Materials Engineering?
Not yet. Hahahahaha.
What positions have you held so far in your academic life?
During my junior high school days at Sap’s School, I held the position of compound prefect, ensuring that issues of sanitation were not a problem.
Top scorer in the just ended EPL (Engineering Premier League), how did you go about it?
I love football and I’m a Chelsea fan. Chelsea has not any luck with our choice of forwards in recent years so I said to myself that given the opportunity, on a stage like the EPL, I would strike like I’d want a Chelsea striker to.
How are you able to effectively perform on the field of play?
I have been playing football since childhood and constant practice has helped elevate my game to the level it is at right now. Also, I believe effectiveness on the field of play is not a one-man show. Team work is key.
Please tell us how you manage to blend social and academic responsibilities?
I prioritize. There is a time and place for everything and I make sure I do everything I want when its important.
Any achievements or special awards?
I have chalked a number of successes growing up. To mention a few:
- I won a Spelling Bee contest that was held in my junior high school.
- I was one of the chosen people to represent my JHS at the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the University of Ghana, Legon campus.
- In October 2007,I participated in the Life Link Model United Nations Conference as one of the representatives from my school.
- In April 2008, I was given the opportunity to be part of the team to represent Ghana in the Global Classrooms Model United Nations Conference in Washington D.C.
What or who inspires you?
I believe Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi is my biggest inspiration. If there is a God, then Gaddafi is the physical embodiment of God. May his soul rest well.
What is your vision and mission in life?
My mission is simple; the advancement of black people. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had a vision; the total liberation of the African continent. I have adopted that vision and intend to make it my life’s mission to play a huge role in seeing it through.
Which extracurricular activities do usually engage in?
I play football, listen to a lot of music, play the piano and produce beats too.
Any favourite motivational quote?
“ The Black skin is not a badge of shame,but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.” - Marcus Garvey.
How do you see the Department so far? Are there any improvements you would want to see?
I realise MATESA is one of the hardworking departments we have in KNUST and we should keep it up. I suggest we form a partnership with materials departments of foreign universities with the aim of training our lecturers even more. This could help add more value to what they already know.
When it comes to Materials Engineering, what field are you particularly interested in and why?
Composites. Well, growing up, I have had this fascination for flying objects and their mechanism. So I would love to work on composites to understand aerospace materials and their contributions to the success of the industry.
What do you think about the way we are taught here in the university?
I think our focus on theory is a little too much. Don’t get me wrong, knowing the theory aspect is the stepping stone, but without practice, it’ll only seem we are just here to study for exams.
The Core of Engineering Technology, what does this mean to you?
It tells me that without Materials Engineering, being the core, nothing can work in the engineering sector. It is the powerhouse the other engineering fields depend on.
What should we expect from you in the next few years?
In the next few years, a lot can happen. So I’ll say, let’s keep our fingers crossed. Like the akan adage goes, “ Ahwenepa enkasa.” I will do my best to make everyone proud.
Aside leading the attack, what other positions can you play comfortably?
Funnily enough, aside leading the attack , I am not bad at all when I play as a defender.
Which football player do you look up to?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is the perfect example of an athlete and a sportsman.
Name your favorite starting XI of the class team
Honestly, I do not have a favorite starting XI. Whatever team the coach chooses to put out there becomes my favorite for that game.
Who is that player in the class team whose presence boosts your morale?
Abdul-Latif Abubakar. I don’t think this is news to anyone in the team. They know how we roll.
You finished the EPL as the top scorer, how many goals did u score? Which of them was your favorite?
4 goals. I can’t say which one because they were all exclusive goals, and would be difficult to choose from. Maybe if there was a video I could replay and hopefully select. But since there is none, I love them all.
Did you ever regret missing a good goal scoring opportunity?
Oh yes. During one “Aponkye Cup” I was to score the winning penalty goal and I missed. I blasted the ball over the bar. I still feel the pain each time I remember, but anytime we meet as a team and someone brings it up, we laugh over it. It’s all joy in the MATESA camp.
Which player from the class team do you hate playing with?
No one. We are a team and we have developed a bond, so I do not see my self hating anyone. It’s a game and it’s meant to be fun. Where then is the fun if we are hating on each other?
Apart from football, which other game can you play?
The 100 metre-dash sprint race.
Please share with us. your last words.
Happiness is Life.
Click HERE to visit our Home Page for more interesting stuff!
Comments
Post a Comment