Rhyda Ofori Amanfo: Pushing boundaries
Amanfo’s decision to specialise as a bowler was shaped by both instinct and her academic background. She believes education and performance in cricket are deeply connected.
“Education helped me approach cricket with a strategic mindset. Understanding biomechanics, analysis, and technique has allowed me to refine my bowling and improve consistency. It’s made me a more thoughtful player, which is crucial for a bowler who needs to outthink the batter,” she explains.
“Education sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, all essential in cricket. It also teaches discipline and time management, which directly impact performance. A well-educated athlete can analyse situations better, adapt quickly, and perform more consistently.”
Away from the pitch, Amanfo works as a miner, a profession that demands grit, focus, and discipline. “Mining and cricket share a lot in common. Both require planning, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. Balancing both roles has taught me time management and mental strength,” she says.
Amanfo is also the founder and president of the Obuasi Cricket Academy, the first of its kind in Ghana’s Ashanti region. “My dream is to put Ghanaian women’s cricket on the global map. The academy is a step toward that, creating a space where young girls can believe in their potential and pursue greatness.”
Cricket, she says, has given her more than medals and titles: “It’s taught me patience, resilience, and discipline. It’s connected me to incredible people and opened doors to leadership and international platforms.”
She became the first Ghanaian cricketer to play in the U.S. when she featured for Atlanta Pearls Women’s Club at the 11th edition of the Georgia Women’s Cricket Association Invitational Tournament in May 2024. “It was a milestone I’ll always cherish, thanks to Ms. Petal Samuels and the Atlanta Pearls Women’s Cricket Club,” she recalls.