#CFCOPC PLAYERS TO WATCH: Team Halton-Peel Varsity SB Paintsil hopes to surprise

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29^th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and players participating in the big event.

“OPC is the first team I’ve made outside of school. It has given me a chance to show others what I am really capable of and I’m hoping to surprise a lot of people at the OPC game,” mentioned Jo Jo Paintsil when asked what the OPC means to him.

Jo Jo suited up for his high school team the St.Roch Ravens last season and won the ROPSSAA (Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association). The Ravens also went on to win the OFSAA Central Bowl.

When he’s on the field, Jo Jo plays slot receiver, wide out and does kick/punt returns.

There are a few reasons why Jo Jo decided to play these positions.

“The reasons I love to play these positions are because I am able to use my speed to my advantage. And also one catch or one great return can change who has the upper hand during the game of football,” explained Paintsil.

 

Jo Jo’s favorite moment from last season was when his team won the OFSAA. Jo Jo said, “My favorite moment from last season was when my team won OFSAA, we came together as a family and our city came closer together as a community.”

Outside of football, Jo Jo participates in track and field. Last season, Jo Jo was a x2 ROPSSAA champion and won the 100m. He was also a member of the 4×100 relay team that went on to place 2^nd overall at OFSAA.  Painstil also mentioned that he enjoys training with his friends, and improving his skills in the game of football.

Jo Jo looks up to some of his peers. He idolizes them because of how hard they train and how hard they work. ”I try and take bits and pieces of their skill to create my own so that I can become the best,” added Paintsil.

In preparation for the OPC, Jo Jo has been training every day, working on his footwork, speed and hands. He’s also been preparing himself mentally for the game so that he won’t make any mistakes or errors.

I asked Jo Jo what he’s looking forward to at the OPC, he replied, “I am really looking forward to getting to know my team and coaches and trying to get my name out there as an athlete.”

Jo Jo has great goals for the challenge. Jo Jo concluded, “My goals for OPC are to get my name out there as an athlete; I hope to become a better player and an even greater person”.