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Kwasi Poku Earns First Canadian Men’s National Team Call-Up, A Journey Forged in Hamilton

Kwasi Poku’s rise to the top of Canadian soccer is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and drive he showed from his start with Forge FC. The Brampton native, who began his professional journey with Forge on February 2, 2022, has now earned his first call-up to the Canadian Men’s National Team—a fitting reward for his stellar growth over the past two and a half seasons.

From the moment Kwasi signed with Forge FC, he displayed immense potential, and his performances only improved with time. His breakthrough came in 2023 when he was nominated for the Canadian Premier League’s U-21 Player of the Year award. That recognition signified a pivotal moment in Kwasi’s career, as he began to truly scratch the surface of his talent. With unwavering determination, Kwasi never looked back, continually improving and evolving as a player.

The 2024 season marked a transformative year for Kwasi and his career trajectory. While he started the campaign as a left-back, injuries within the squad forced head coach Bobby Smyrniotis to experiment, moving Kwasi to a more advanced role as a striker. The switch proved to be a masterstroke, as Kwasi exploded offensively, showcasing his versatility, athleticism, and natural instinct for goal. In just 14 appearances as a striker, Kwasi found the back of the net 10 times and added 2 assists, making him one of the most dangerous players in the CPL.

His remarkable performances didn’t go unnoticed. Not only did Kwasi’s goal-scoring prowess put him firmly on the radar of the Canadian national team, but it also attracted international attention from clubs across the globe. On August 22, 2024, Forge FC agreed to a league-record transfer, sending Kwasi to Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. The move was a significant milestone for both Kwasi and the club, highlighting Forge’s role in developing elite talent for the global and Canadian stage.

Kwasi has hit the ground running in Belgium, scoring three goals in his first five appearances for RWD Molenbeek. His form overseas left Canadian national team coach Jesse Marsch with no choice but to bring Kwasi into the national team fold. The opportunity to represent Canada at the highest level is a dream come true for Kwasi, and it’s a moment that we at Forge FC are incredibly proud of.

From his debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup to his first national team call-up, Kwasi’s journey has been one of determination, resilience, and excellence. Though he may no longer wear the Forge orange, he will always be part of our history, and the Hamilton Faithful will forever hold him close.

Congratulations, Kwasi. Your journey is just beginning, and we know you’ll continue to make us proud wherever your career takes you. #TogetherWeForge