Jonathan Mensah reveals how he featured in 2010 World Cup

Jonathan Mensah has revealed that his call-up to the senior national team for the 2010 World Cup was a moment he will never forget, coming hot on the heels of the Black Satellites’ historic win at the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup in Egypt.

After playing a key role for the Black Satellites to win the 2009 World Cup in Egypt, Mensah was named in the Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Mensah revealed exclusively on the FC Pitchside Podcast how he ended up in the final squad.

“One might think one call-up to the 2010 World squad was a bit hasty, I believe it was the right moment,” Mensah said, reflecting on his rapid rise to the senior team.

The senior national team’s coach had been monitoring their progress and was present at the 2009 U20 finals in Egypt, where he congratulated them in the locker room.

Mensah revealed that the Black Stars coach’s presence at the final in Egypt was significant.

“He explained to us how important the win was for Ghana and the African continent as a whole because we’re the first and only African country to have won the FIFA U20 tournament,” Mensah added.

This momentous occasion marked a turning point in Mensah’s career, as he transitioned from the U20 team to the senior squad.

“I wasn’t expecting to have made that huge jump from U20 to the senior squad but I think it’s fair considering our hard work and dedication,” Mensah said.

Mensah has had an illustrious career with the Black Stars, featuring in six AFCON tournaments and two senior World Cup tournaments.

He has won 70 caps with the Ghana Men’s National Team, including six appearances in FIFA World Cup play.

The defender has also had a successful club career, playing for top-tier teams in Ghana, South Africa, Italy, France, Russia, and Spain.