He’s got a motor that never stops revving, a physical style that can make him a beast to play against and a still-developing powerful shot that can frighten opposition goalkeepers. And now Valour FC coaches are expecting – not hoping – that Raphael Ohin can take that proverbial next step in what will be his third season in the Canadian Premier League.
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"We challenge him every year to get better and improve and adapt at this level," said Valour GM and head coach Rob Gale of the 26-year-old midfielder. "First year, he settled in and started to become better technically. Second year he adapted really well through the (Island Games) tournament. It started about halfway through the first game and he never looked back really, to be honest. He kept his game simpler, played quicker, understood his role and adapted. "Now, he can grow into it further. For him this season he has been more effective in front of the goal in preseason. He’s got such power in his shot he just needs to harness it; he doesn’t need to try and break the net every time he shoots. We’re challenging him a bit more this year to add the tactical acumen that he accrued in the first year, the simplicity and refinement of his one-two touch play that he brought in the second year, and now show those offensive moments, because he can get into areas where he can strike a ball." Ohin’s development has been one of the feel-good stories of Valour FC’s three years of existence. Born in Ghana – he officially became a Canadian citizen this offseason – Ohin played for WSA Winnipeg from 2016-18 after a nomadic run that had taken him from his home country to Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, and Sweden. Settled in now to his role with Valour, Ohin is hoping to continue his transformation into a CPL mainstay in the ‘Kickoff’ bubble here in Winnipeg and beyond in this ’21 season. "There’s still room for improvement," he said in a chat with CanPL.ca. "I want to get better every time I step on the field. I want to challenge myself. Year 1, my first year, was good. Year 2 I came in with a different mentality and I wish we had a longer season. This year, I have a different mentality again. I want to get better. I want to show everyone that every year I’m getting better. "It’s going to be a big year. A lot of people will be expecting more from me. I’m excited. I’m in a good mood. I’m ready to play and I’m ready to show that I’m still improving." Ohin physical gifts have always been on display, from his ability to battle for loose balls and challenge tacklers, to using his speed to find open spaces. But it’s the potential of his powerful shot that intrigues so many. "I think he’s going to find the net in the bubble. That’s my early prediction – he’ll find the net in the first eight games this year," said Gale. "He and José (Galán) are like the Energizer Bunnies out there. You need that. You need that constant threat and the cleverness of the tactical provoking in his defensive game. "What I like about Raph is he watches and asks a lot of questions. He’s got that ability with his physical power and his raw speed, plus his technical quality – we’ve told him he’s got all the tools. This is an important season for him. He’s established in the team whereas in the first year he was becoming established and finding his role. Now he’s an established, core member and this is a big season for him in his development and his pathway." Told of Gale’s prediction – that he would find the net in the bubble – Ohin chuckled. And then he didn’t shy away from the challenge. "It’s a good feeling hearing that from the coaches," he said. "You don’t often tell people what you’ve been working on in the offseason, but if you see it yourself and people are talking about it that means your hard work is paying off and showing. "I’ve also been watching videos and watching my previous games for clues… I know I have a good shot and if I strike it well, it’s dangerous. I’m not often in goal-scoring position, but sometimes when I’m there I miss the target or don’t strike it well. But like I said I’ve been working on it all offseason and I can see a big difference. If you ask some of my teammates they’ll tell you that. "I want to hit the net, I want to score more goals in practice because the more you do it there it translates into the games. I’ve been scoring goals like crazy in practice. Now I’m hoping I can do the same thing in a game. Fingers crossed. I have a little faith it’s going to go well."
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