Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that his decision to join Swedish third-tier club Ljungskile SK was driven by a need for regular playing time following an extended spell on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old right-back, who joined Ljungskile SK from Varbergs BoIS, endured an injury-riddled period that kept him out of action for over 800 days. After four years with Varbergs, Mensah opted for a fresh start and signed a season-long contract with Ljungskile ahead of the 2024 campaign. A product of Ghana’s famed Right to Dream Academy, Mensah has represented his country at both U17 and U20 levels.
“Actually, leaving my old club was difficult, but not that difficult—considering my situation, where I had been out of football for a very long time,” Mensah told The Nerve Africa in an exclusive interview. “Now that I am back, I needed to get some playing time, and it was clear I wasn’t going to get it at Varbergs BoIS. I had to go somewhere where I could play regularly. Even though it was tough because I’ve been there my whole professional life, I was ready to take on a new challenge.”
Mensah made his full debut for Ljungskile SK in a 3-0 victory over Eskilsminne IF and is already feeling settled in his new environment.
“The adjustment has been good so far. It’s been one week since I joined. Getting to know the players and the coaches has gone well,” he added. “I played my first game last weekend—it was my first game back in 867 days. We got a good 3-0 win, I played 90 minutes, so that was a great start and a smooth adjustment.”
Ljungskile SK are currently third in the Ettan Södra table after the first round of matches. Mensah is hopeful of staying injury-free and playing a key role as the club pushes for promotion to the Swedish second tier.
