Enock Kwateng hopes to make impact with Giordans de Bordeaux
Audi Field will provide a perfect backdrop for some great soccer in the District. While fans throughout the area have seen the transformation of MLS franchise D.C. United, soccer fans throughout the DMV will get a special glimpse of four French Ligue 1 teams in a four-game preseason tournament that begins tonight and concludes Sunday.
One of the newest players on Giordins de Bordeaux is defender Enock Kwateng. Kwateng spent four seasons with Nantes after coming up through the program as a youth prospect. His debut came on August 15, 2015 in a 0-0 draw against Angers SCO.
Kwateng joined Giordins de Bordeaux on a four-year contract last month though will be qualified as a free transfer for the 2019-20 season with his contract with Nantes
“I’m very happy to be here. Bordeaux is a big club, great history. To me, they’re one of the best teams in the champion French league,” said Kwateng.
Kwateng has represented France on the international stage as well appearing in the U16-U20 and took home the UFEA European U19 championship in 2016.
Bordeaux is coming off a 14th place finish but has the history of a soccer powerhouse. They’ve won four Coupe de France titles, three Coupe de la Ligue as well as three-time Trophee des champions. The latter two tournaments were each won in 2009 while Bordeaux took home the Coupe de la Ligue title in 2013. Nevertheless it’s a decade long drought and their fans are hungry to get back to the top of competition.
“We want to have a good season,” added Kwateng Last season was difficult, so we want to come back to the European league and play strong in Ligue 1 competition. Our goal to win a lot of games and have a great year.”
Coming to a soccer stadium like Audi Field in Washington D.C. provides the perfect backdrop for Ligue 1 to grow their game across the USA. While the game is much bigger in France, the sport has grown exponentially in the U.S. and soccer fans throughout the District are eager to learn more about Ligue 1 and the talent it brings across the board.
“We’re very happy to be here. I think it’s important to develop the Futbol league in America,” said Kwateng.
This preseason tournament that will take place at Audi Field this weekend will feature Kwateng’s Bordeaux, as well as Saint-Etinne, Montpellier, and Olympique Marseille. The support in Bordeaux is overwhelming and Kwateng is poised for a breakout year for the fans.
“Everybody watches it because (the game of soccer) is very important for all. They’re crazy about the game of futbol and we know that so we have to play well this season to grow the fanbase even more,” said Kwateng.
You can catch Kwateng and Bordeaux tonight in a 9 p.m. kickoff at Audi Field when they take on Marselle in the second game of day one of the EA Ligue 1 Games. This contest will follow the conclusion of Sainte-Etinne vs. Montpellier which will begin at 6.
The conclusion of the tournament will take place on Sunday with the third place match at 6 p.m. and the championship at 9 p.m.
Photo credit: fussballtransfers.com
