When Ben Folami joined Adelaide United earlier this year, the excitement of a fresh start was overshadowed by a difficult challenge: an injury he was carrying upon arrival from Melbourne Victory. For any footballer, starting at a new club is an exciting yet daunting experience, but doing so while sidelined due to injury adds layers of frustration and mental strain.
Overcoming Injury: A Mental and Physical Battle
Arriving at Adelaide United, Folami was eager to prove himself, but his injury made this an uphill battle. Reflecting on the difficult start to his arrival, he said, “Injuries are a part of football, but it’s never an ideal situation to go into a club carrying something, but that’s the way it happened.”
The desire to train and play immediately was strong, but Folami credits United’s medical team for supporting him through the recovery process.
“I’m lucky that we’ve got a good group of physios here at Adelaide. They really took their time with me, and they relayed that message to the coaches, which I’m grateful for, because when you sign for a new club, especially as a player, from my point of view, all you want to do is get out there and train. But the physios really took their time with me. They made sure everything was 100% And because of that, I’m in this position now where I can play and show my stuff.”
His first start in a match against Perth Glory last Friday night was a significant milestone, one that came with immense gratitude. “I’ve been able to get myself into a position where I can actually start a game, which I’m grateful to have done against Perth,” he reflected.
For the fans at Adelaide United, this speaks volumes. Folami’s road to recovery was long and difficult, but his determination and the support of the club’s staff have finally paid off, allowing him to contribute fully to the team.
Mentorship: Guiding the Next Generation
At 25, Folami might still be considered young in football terms, but he has embraced a new role as a mentor to the younger players in the squad, including Austin Ayoubi. Despite not being far removed from his early days as a professional, he understands the influence more experienced players can have on the younger generation.
“Whether you like it or not, younger players are always looking at you, even if you’re not… I’m only 25, which is crazy to say, but yeah, of course,” he acknowledged.
“They might look up to me, they might look up to other boys, like Zach, but I think the important thing is we carry ourselves and show ourselves in a way that’s positive in everything we do. And these boys will be able to look up to us throughout everything we do. So it’s important that we behave in the right way, which we do.”
Folami’s reflections on competition and guidance go hand-in-hand. He sees the internal rivalry for starting positions as healthy, not just for his own development but for that of the younger players around him. “Austin’s a very good player…that competition is healthy, and we’ll be pushing each other for starts,” he said.
This openness to fostering a culture of competition while also supporting younger teammates highlights Folami’s maturity. As a player who’s navigated his own struggles with injuries and adapting to a new club, he’s well-equipped to provide the guidance the next generation needs.
Settling into Life in Adelaide: Embracing the City
Off the pitch, Folami’s move to Adelaide has offered a change of pace compared to the hustle and bustle of Sydney and Melbourne.
“It’s very different to somewhere like Melbourne, and I’m from Sydney personally, so you know, completely different to those two,” he said. However, he’s found plenty to love about his new city. From its lack of traffic to its easy access to both the city and the beach, Adelaide has quickly become a place where Folami feels at home.
“I really like the fact that I can actually drive into the city here without having any traffic… and being able to find some parking,” he noted with a laugh.
Folami’s appreciation for the city extends beyond the logistics—he’s also enjoyed exploring the local restaurants and beaches, making the most of his surroundings.
First Start at Coopers Stadium: A Special Moment
Finally, after months of patience and training, Ben Folami got his first start in front of Adelaide United’s passionate home crowd. “It was great to be able to play in front of all the fans at Coopers…to be able to play there for the Reds this time around was really special.”
His performance was praised by head coach Carl Veart, setting up Zach Clough with his first assist of the season, and Folami himself was pleased with his contribution, although he acknowledged there’s always room for improvement.
“There’s always places I can improve…but on a whole, considering it’s my first 90 minutes since January… I’m really pleased that I was first of all able to get through it.”
For the fans, this was the culmination of months of hard work, both from Folami and the Adelaide United staff. His return to fitness and his impressive first start underline the perseverance he has shown in the face of adversity, and Adelaide supporters will be excited to see what comes next from him.
