After a standout season with NISA club Maryland Bobcats, where Elijah scored 5 goals and notched 4 assists, he signed with the 2022 champions of USL League One, South Georgia Tormenta FC. The talented attacker is now set to make his debut for Tormenta this year, but took a moment to sit down with Protagonist to talk about his path to Georgia, his opinion of NISA, and what kind of hype music he prefers.

You grew up in Maryland, how did you end up in soccer, instead of some other sport?

Growing up I was always involved in rec sports, mainly soccer and basketball. Once I turned 10 I began playing travel/club for Bethesda Soccer Club, which became more of a full time commitment as practices were 3-4 times a week with games on the weekend. I played both sports all the way up to my sophomore year of high school. Basketball is easily my 2nd favorite sport so I always enjoyed playing but once I got to the age of 16 I realized that I was much better at soccer and could go to college to play the sport so I decided to give up basketball and play soccer full time..

When did you know you would be a professional soccer player? What made it real?

As a kid coming up I always wanted to be a professional soccer player. I always knew that if I put in the work then the results would come. I looked up to my older cousin, Joe Gyau, so seeing him progress through the USMNT and play for top clubs in Germany really served as motivation. I always knew it was achievable but as I got older and continued getting better, people around me would always tell me that I had a decent chance of going pro.

Elijah was a standout in Maryland from a young age.

You were drafted by RSL in the MLS draft. What was that moment like for you?

That was a pretty cool moment. I was watching and following along with the draft but took a quick break to take care of some other things but as soon as that happened my phone erupted with a whole bunch of congratulations messages from literally everybody.

When things didn't work out at RSL, were you tempted to give up on playing?

I wasn’t tempted to give up, I really just wanted to find a new team as soon as possible and showcase my talent. You’re not always gonna be successful as a footballer so I felt as though I just needed to get back on my feet.

You played for the Bobcats in NISA last year. How was playing in your home state?

Playing in my home state was sensational I loved every moment of it. Getting to play at the pro level in front of my family and friends who’ve been supporting me since I first started playing was an amazing feeling. I know it made a lot of people proud to see that all the hard work I’d put in over the years was finally starting to pay off.

While playing with Maryland, what was your mindset? Did you see it as an audition for other clubs?

As a footballer, I kind of have that mindset with every team I play on. I always want to be the best, it’s just my competitive nature. And I know that players get rewarded for being the best, so I knew that if I performed on the pitch then I would hopefully be able to get to the next level and continue progressing through the ranks.

What's your view on NISA as a league?

I think NISA is great for players like myself who have had some sort of misstep throughout their career. There are A LOT of ballers in NISA and I think with the way the league is set up it gives those players the proper exposure needed in order to get to the next level.

Amo was a revelation for Maryland last season.

You signed with Tormenta for 2023. What is your goal for this year?

My goal for this year is to help the team win another Championship in any way I can.

What kind of music do you listen to before a match?

It honestly depends on the vibe that I’m feeling. I have a wide variety of playlists that I pride myself upon, so depending on what I’m feeling on said gameday I may be listening to Afrobeats, Rap, DMV music, etc.

Favorite vacation spot?

Ghana 🇬🇭

Are you an overdresser or an underdresser?

I’m definitely an underdresser. I like to be comfortable wherever I go so I wear a lot of tracksuits, sweatpants, and hoodies. The only time I really dress up is on special occasions, but when I do dress up I like to look nice so I’ll throw on something very fly

Chips Ahoy: original or soft baked?

I’m an original type of guy for sure!