Ghana legend and former VfL Wolfsburg captain Charles Kwablan Akonnor has offered firm but timely advice to newly signed Wolfsburg defender Jonathan Adjetey, urging him to make discipline and hard work the bedrock of his career in the German Bundesliga.

Akonnor challenged the highly rated centre-back to push relentlessly for a starting role rather than settle for life on the bench, insisting that regular football at club level is crucial to accelerating his development—especially as competition intensifies for places in the Ghana national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adjetey completed a move to Wolfsburg from Swiss side FC Basel on transfer deadline day last week, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Bundesliga club until 2030.

The 22-year-old defender made his Black Stars debut in an AFCON qualifying match against Sudan in Libya in October 2025 and has since earned seven caps under head coach Otto Addo.

Positive move

Speaking to Graphic Sports about the defender’s landmark move, Akonnor described the transfer as a significant and positive step, viewing Wolfsburg’s interest as a clear endorsement of Adjetey’s quality.

“It’s a great move. For Wolfsburg to sign him means he definitely has something good to offer,” said Akonnor, who captained the Black Stars and later served as head coach.

However, the former Wolfsburg skipper was quick to stress that discipline would be decisive if Adjetey is to establish himself in the Bundesliga.

“I’ll advise him not to joke with his time because time is very important for the Germans. When you are often late and not responsible, you end up having issues,” he cautioned.

Akonnor urged the defender to go beyond the minimum requirements, stressing that professionalism off the pitch is just as important as performances on it.

“If training starts at 10 a.m., he should be there by 9 a.m. and work on himself at the gym,” he added.

Now head coach of Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, Akonnor also reflected on his own experiences in Germany, recalling the challenges he faced as a black footballer during his playing days.

“When I went there, I was the first black player to captain the team. It was a difficult moment then, but now doors have been opened, and they understand the culture of the black man,” he said.

Improved football culture

He explained that while there were challenges, players were protected by their clubs, and the environment gradually improved as more black players—such as Pablo Thiam—joined the league.

Akonnor further credited the 2006 FIFA World Cup with helping to reshape attitudes in Germany.

“That World Cup helped Germans accept foreign nationals more, so Adjetey will have the privilege of being welcomed well,” he noted.

With the foundations now laid, Akonnor believes the next step is clear for the young defender.

“All he needs to do now is to work hard, become a starter and not just a bench player. That will help and prepare him for the next level,” he said.