It’s been a year for Kwasi Poku.
The Brampton native made his pro debut for Forge FC in February during a CONCACAF Champions League match against Cruz Azul at the 80,000-seat Estadio Azteca — just 10 days after his 19th birthday.
Two months later, Poku represented Canada’s Under-20 national squad.
Despite battling an injury this season and missing time for international duty, the six-foot-three Brampton native has made 15 appearances for Forge FC in all competitions — logging nearly 800 minutes.
“The pro game has definitely been an adjustment, especially playing a new position,” said Poku.
Developing through the Toronto FC program as a midfielder, Poku was moved to left back after arriving in Hamilton, as Forge FC head coach and technical director Bobby Smyrniotis looks to take advantage of Poku’s unique traits.
“You know he has all of the qualities to be a modern fullback,” Smyrniotis said Wednesday. “Excellent on the ball; good passing; good service; one-on-one — and then his speed is something else. This guy’s top speed is probably the quickest in our league, but we don’t see it all the time. So we have to get that out of him a little bit more — understanding the moments and how to attack and be a little bit more forceful.”
“Tactically, on the defensive side, he’s getting better with each and every training session.”
The tactical demand for Forge FC players is second to none in the Canadian Premier League, and it’s the same for every player, regardless of experience.
“Bobby has given me a lot of new responsibilities and tactics that I have to learn at the pro level,” said Poku, “and the pro game — you have to learn it, adjust quickly, and be ready at all times.”
“So it’s been an adjustment.”
An adjustment made easier by the presence of Ashtone Morgan. With over a decade of Major League Soccer experience with Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake, Morgan’s offseason arrival has solidified Forge FC’s left flank and provided Poku with a mentor.
“(Morgan) is someone (Poku) can learn from. He takes a lot of pointers and discussed the position very well (with Morgan),” said Smyrniotis. “And I think that’s another clue that you have a kid with a good head on his shoulders. You know, he wants the work, he wants to get better, and he’s doing some good things for us.”
“He has a great mentor (in Morgan).”
GOAL⚒️
Ashtone Morgan opens the scoring for @ForgeFCHamilton to take a 1-0 lead over @Pacificfccpl in #CanPL Action!🔥⚽️
Watch Live | 🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhgjL6 pic.twitter.com/goRp5Dc8HR
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 12, 2022
Forge FC is at the top of the CPL table through 17 matches and expects to compete for a title for the fourth consecutive season. They’ll likely need Poku to continue on his developmental trajectory to get there.
“He has a bright future, but you have to take your steps and learn the right way,” added Smyrniotis.”We have to bring him into the squad at the right moments, in the right games — and he’s played pressure games, so he’s ready for a little bit of everything.”
It’s been a year for Kwasi Poku, and there’s a lot more to come.
Forge FC travels to ATCO Field in Foothills County, Alberta, for a Friday tilt with Cavalry FC at 9 p.m.
Watch the preview below: