Exclusive: Danlad Ibrahim Speaks About Chasing Big Dreams in Ethiopia, Says His Target is To Explore other Grounds

When Ibrahim Danlad made it to the bigger stage, he was just in his 20s, representing Ghana during the African Championship qualifiers against Nigeria and the tournament, where he went on to represent the Black Galaxies at the competition.

He also represented Ghana at the U-23, where he shone with different performances. At 21, the former Asante Kotoko goalie was set to conquer other parts of Africa and, by extension, the world. Having played for Kotoko for two seasons, Danlad moved to Ethiopia to face another competition in the East African side.

Without any barriers, Ibrahim has begun to make waves in Ethiopia making four appearances in the eight games played by his club, Bunna FC in the league.

"I'm enjoying my time here in Ethiopia," Ibrahim said in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com. "The league is very competitive, and I'm impressed with the level of talent. Even the Nigerian goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, is here and doing well."

The need to explore 

Ibrahim's move to Ethiopia has not only broadened his football horizons but also improved his financial situation. When asked about the pay difference between Ghana and Ethiopia, Ibrahim was candid.
"Ethiopia is much better in terms of salary," he revealed. "What I earn here, I don't think any team in Ghana can match. As foreigners, we're paid well, which is a big advantage."

However, Ibrahim's decision to join Coffee SC was not solely based on financial considerations. He was attracted by the club's rich history and ambitious plans for the future.

Comparison of the Ethiopian League to the Ghanaian League 

While Ibrahim couldn't confirm the average salary for foreigners in Ethiopia, he estimated it to be around $4,000, with some players earning even more.

"Coffee SC is a big club with a lot of tradition," Ibrahim explained. "They have a strong fan base, and the team is well-organized. I'm excited to be a part of this team and contribute to their success."

Ibrahim's experience in Ethiopia has also given him a new perspective on the beautiful game. He has been impressed by the passion and dedication of the Ethiopian fans, who pack the stadiums for every match.

"The fans here are amazing," Ibrahim said. "They're so passionate about football, and they create a great atmosphere at the stadium. It's a pleasure to play in front of such enthusiastic crowds."

Despite the many positives, Ibrahim acknowledges that there have been some challenges in adapting to life in Ethiopia. The language barrier has been a significant hurdle, but Ibrahim is determined to learn Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia.

"It's not easy, but I'm trying my best to learn the language," Ibrahim said. "I believe it's essential to communicate effectively with my teammates, coaches, and fans. I'm taking language classes, and I'm confident that I'll become proficient in Amharic soon."

Ibrahim's move to Ethiopia has also meant leaving behind his family and friends in Ghana. However, he remains close to his loved ones through regular phone calls and video chats.

"It's not easy being away from my family and friends, but technology has made it easier to stay in touch," Ibrahim said. "I speak with my loved ones regularly, and I feel connected to them even though we're apart."

What’s next?

So, what's next for the 22-year-old goalkeeper? Ibrahim's aspirations are clear: he wants to use his time in Ethiopia as a springboard to bigger things.

"My team here is a big club, and there are many advantages to playing for them," he explained. "I'm looking forward to a good season, boosting my CV, and then hopefully moving to Europe."

Ibrahim's ultimate goal is to play in one of Europe's top leagues, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, or the Bundesliga. He believes that his experience in Ethiopia will be invaluable in helping him achieve his dream.

"Playing in Ethiopia has given me a new perspective on football," Ibrahim said. "I've learned a lot about the game, and I've gained valuable experience playing in a competitive league. I believe that this experience will help me succeed in Europe."

Ibrahim's determination and work ethic are admirable, and it's clear that he has the potential to achieve great things in football. As he continues to shine in the Ethiopian Premier League, fans and scouts alike will keep a close eye on his progress.

For now, Ibrahim is focused on helping Coffee SC succeed in the Ethiopian Premier League. With his talent, dedication, and positive attitude, he will make a significant impact in the league.