Who is new Black Stars goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott?

The biggest surprise when new Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajevac, named his first squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe was the inclusion of goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott from Swindon Town, England’s 4th tier competition.

The 25-year-old has been impressive for Swindon since turning his 7-day emergency loan deal in February 2021 to a one-year permanent deal in June 2021.

Since the start of the League Two season, Wollacott has kept the post in all nine games so far, keeping four clean sheets in the process (against Colchester, Stevenage, Salford City and Tranmere Rovers).

He has however conceded 7 goals in those nine games.

According to Swindon fan, Scot Munroe, Wollacott’s biggest strength is “his commanding of the area; his shot-stopping is strong too. To be honest, I haven’t seen any weaknesses so far”.

Wollacot only made his professional debut in August 2019, saving a penalty as he kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup, before going on to finish on the winning side in the penalty shoot-out.

Wollacott has made the most saves in League Two with a save percentage of 84.6% and has played the most minutes in the league with 810 minutes.

He, alongside the returning Danlad Ibrahim, is expected to provide stiff competition for first-choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori whose recent performances have been shaky in Ghana colours.

Ghana take on Zimbabwe on October 9 at the Cape Coast stadium before traveling to Harare for the reverse fixture three days later in Harare.

• About Jojo Wollacott

Joseph Luke Wollacott (born 8 September 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL League Two side Swindon Town.

On 7 August 2019, Wollacott joined EFL League Two side Forest Green Rovers on loan for the 2019–20 season, facing competition for the first-team spot from Adam Smith and Lewis Thomas.

He made his debut in professional football six days later, saving a penalty as he kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup, before going on to finish on the winning side in the penalty shoot-out.

On 12 February 2021, Wollacott joined League One side Swindon Town on a seven-day emergency loan deal.

In June 2021, Wollacott signed for Swindon Town on a one-year contract.