Muhazi United skipper Joseph Sackey is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Rwanda Premier League.

The hardworking enforcer was arguably the best player in his team during the 2023/24 season, scoring four goals and providing four assists as Muhazi United finished 12th on the league table.

It is common to see outfield players changing positions in their career but rarely will you see a goalkeeper becoming an outfield player. With the exception of 6 feet 7 inches (2.00m) former Czech Republic and Dortmund striker Jan Kohler who started his career as a goalkeeper only few have done so.

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Muhazi United captain Joseph Sackey is one player who took that route just four years ago and has since made an impact in his youth career.

"I started as a goalkeeper, I was a very good keeper. I played for clubs such as Proud United, Tema Youth and New Edubiase in Ghana as a goalkeeper. I transformed into a defensive midfielder in 2020 when I joined Wa Suntaa FC in the Ghanaian second league," Sackey told Times Sport.

At 22, Sackey has been an outfield player for just four years. He decided to swap the post for defensive midfield the moment he discovered his potential in his current position and people also encouraged him to do so.

"I realized that I was very good on the ball with my feet, I am strong and I can also distribute accurately. I loved to play and my colleagues and coaches also encouraged me. It was not easy with the transition but I did it in 2020 when I was in Wa Suntaa FC," Sackey recalls.

In 2023, he won the player of the season award at his home club. He later went for trials at Muhazi United which eventually signed him the following season.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.87m) with good physique, Sackey has an intimidating stature. He is very strong on the ball, confident, talented and, above all, he is disciplined.

He scored four goals and provided four assists in his maiden season for Muhazi United.

The coaching staff, the management and his teammates were very impressed with his output, commitment as well as his conduct on and off the field and he was rewarded to take over the armband as club’s new captain starting with 2024/25 season.

"I am glad my leadership qualities, talent as well as dedication was noticed by the coaches and the top hierarchy of the club. I am pleased to lead this great club and hopefully we can achieve something great," Sackey said.

As a defensive midfielder, Sackey revealed that his idols are Manchester City star Rodri as well as Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Casemiro.

"Rodri and Casemiro are my two favorite midfielders. They make things look so easy on the pitch and they always hold their teams up. I always learn something from their game," he explained.

Just like any other footballer, Sackey has a big dream. He is eager to play professional football in Europe as well as make a big impact at international level.

"I want to feature for a European team. It is my dream and I know I can do it. I want to excel in Europe and make a big name for myself. I also want to play national team football."

For Sackey, Rwanda is a great stepping stone for him as the level of the league continues to improve season after season.

"The quality of football here is good. The level is great and I love it. Now, many good foreign players have come here and it has made the competition more vibrant," he added.