Former Ghana and VfL Wolfsburg captain Charles Kwablan Akonnor has shared guidance for young defender Jonas Adjetey after the 22-year-old’s recent move to the German side.
Adjetey completed a long-term transfer from Swiss outfit FC Basel during the January window, a step Akonnor described as both significant and promising.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Black Stars skipper hailed Wolfsburg’s interest as a vote of confidence in the defender’s abilities.
“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.
Yet, Akonnor emphasized that discipline and professionalism will be key for Adjetey to thrive 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.
The former Wolfsburg captain encouraged Adjetey to exceed expectations both on and off the pitch.
“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 at the helm of Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, Akonnor reflected on his own experiences in Germany, recalling the challenges he faced as the first black player to captain Wolfsburg.
“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.
He also highlighted the role of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in reshaping attitudes toward foreign players in Germany.
“That World Cup helped Germans accept foreign nationals more, so Adjetey will have the privilege of being welcomed well,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Akonnor advised the young defender to focus on becoming a regular starter rather than a squad player.
“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.
Adjetey made his Black Stars debut in an AFCON qualifier against Sudan in Libya in October 2025 and has since earned seven caps under coach Otto Addo.
