In Conversation, Podcast Show Notes

In Conversation with… Salim Yussif

In this episode, Mark W is joined by SJK Seinäjoki defender, Salim Yussif, who talks through his unconventional route to Finland. From a childhood living in a slum in Accra, through teenage years on a football scholarship in the USA, to becoming a regular starter for SJK near the top of the Veikkausliiga. We discuss the challenge of moving countries and making friends, learning how to play Stevie Grieve’s ‘chaos football’ and just what is the ‘Seinäjoki African Community’. Salim’s a young guy with a long future ahead of him and his eye on a Barcelona shirt (if he’s lucky!)

Join Mark (@explorefinland),  Mark (@FCSuomi),  Keke (@kekemyllari), Rich (@EscapeToSuomi) and Ally (@Mano99) for regular episodes, where 5 old blokes sit and talk about football in Finland. In English.

The #FFS theme tune is “Loppuun asti” by Lemmenpyssyt. You can listen to the song on Spotify or on YouTube . Connect with Lemmenpyssyt on Facebook.

Mark’s Questions (Listen or watch the show to hear Ash’s answers)

Growing up in Accra, Ghana

  • Tell me about your childhood, where did you grow up?
  • How was your family life?
  • Is religion important to you?
  • Who was your footballing hero when you were young?

Vision FC – Youth Academy & Ghana Premier League team

  • SJK have been working with Vision FC since March 23. Terry Yegbe was the test case earlier that year (moved to Elfsborg then Metz)
  • You were the first player to join SJK from Vision AFTER the agreement was made.
  • Many fans won’t know too much about Vision FC. Salim can you tell us about the club from your perspective?

Scholarship in the USA

  • Age 19, you then got a scholarship to move to American International College (AIC) in Springfield, Massachusetts.
  • How did that move happen?
  • How did you find living to the USA compared to Accra?

Moving to Finland

  • Did you then move back to Vision FC before your transfer to SJK?
  • Straight away you came to Finland into SJK’s academy team. What does a move to Europe mean for a young, African player and for you personally?
  • How was it to adapt to Stevie’s style of ‘chaos-football’, which I like to call Grieveball?
  • How easy / difficult was it to settle into living in Seinäjoki?
  • How is life in Seinäjoki? What do you do outside of football?
  • Have you connected with Seinäjoki African community?

Salim at SJK

  • In November 2023 you signed a 2+2 year contract.
  • In the 2025 season, you changed from a holding / central midfield role to playing right back, and you have been SJK’s most improved player this season.
  • Why did this change happen? How did Stevie explain it to you and how did you feel about it?
  • Last season a squad player – but this season a starter. How does it affect you when you “know” you are going to start

Future Plans

  • You’re now 23. Any thoughts about the future?
  • Where would you like to play? Team or country?

Find Salim Yussif online

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