The 50 paying spectators should not regret coming to the Schorlemerstraße in Düsseldorf on Sunday afternoon. They saw an ex-national player in action.
With all due respect to the clubs: But actually, a RevierSport report on the Düsseldorf Kreisliga A duel between SC West II and DSV 04 would not be worth mentioning. Actually.
Because on Sunday, 12 February 2023, the starting line-up of the Kreisliga A reserve team of Düsseldorf Landesliga club SC West included none other than David Odonkor.
The 16-time German international and 2006 World Cup participant was involved in the West reserve team’s clash against DSV 04 until the 68th minute, before Till Arne Kämmerling replaced him.
On the sidelines: DSV won 4:0. Even the ex-national player could not prevent the defeat.
“Unfortunately we lost, but that was fun – but also enough (laughs). Conditionally, I have no difficulties, I keep myself fit. But the almost 70 minutes did get to the bones,” the 38-year-old Odonkor told RevierSport on Monday – 13 February.
I told Felix that I would play a league game once if he held a penalty from me. He did and I have now cashed in the bet. But that was it. I’m not planning a career in Kreisliga A now (laughs).
David Odonkor
But how did the 75-time Bundesliga professional, who was under contract with Alemannia Aachen, Borussia Dortmund and Betis Sevilla during his career, actually come to play? Odonkor answers: “I live in Düsseldorf and SC West goalkeeper Felix Michels is a good friend of mine. I once coached the boys two or three times in the summer preparation and also lost a bet. “
Odonkor further reveals: “I told Felix that I would play a league game once if he saved a penalty from me. He did that and I have now redeemed the bet. But that was it. I’m not planning a career in the Kreisliga A now (laughs). But I really have to say: it was a lot of fun. The guys are all super nice and I watch a game of this team even like that.”
Odonkor has long since hung up his career as an active player after a lot of bad luck with injuries. The B-licence holder is much more interested in making progress in the coaching field.
“I’m looking for a job as a co-trainer and, of course, in the higher leagues. In the past, I had two enquiries from the Düsseldorf area, but in the end we didn’t get together. Maybe something will come up in the future. In any case, I’m open in all directions and to all talks,” says Odonkor.