Last week was an intense one, back-to-back esports activation woven tightly between my 9-to-5 responsibilities. From meetings (virtual and in-person) to on-the-ground event setups, the schedule was relentless. At a certain point, I found myself pausing to ask: ‘To what end? To what purpose?’
There were moments, especially as the week wore on, when I began to feel what I can only describe as “COLD FEET.” Should I attend the next event? Was it worth pushing through the fatigue?
Each engagement, while deeply meaningful, takes energy, emotional, physical, and mental. And though I’m blessed to have a strong team I trust to carry the torch, I also felt a quiet but powerful reminder from within: You’re human. Breathe. Take it step by step. Do what you can, trust that the rest will follow.
So that’s exactly what I did.
From Wednesday to Saturday, I helped set up , Kiddie Esports Read2Play at the Ghana International Book Fair 2025, a beautiful initiative linking literacy with gaming. Later that Saturday, I supported the Ghana Football Association at their HQ during the eTrophy eFootball tournament. That evening, I headed to Best of Bukom for an Eboxing event, wrapping up around 3 AM Sunday morning. By 3 PM that Sunday afternoon, we were already setting up consoles and screens, exploring the eRugby League Trials at the Rugby Stadium at the University of Ghana… the next day… Monday was National ICT Week Esports Games.
Was I tired? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Without a doubt.
I’m sharing this not for praise, but to encourage you: There is honour in hard work. There is power in showing up, even when you’re weary, because your presence fuels the vision., As a leader, sometimes you have to go first, not because you have to do it all, but to show others the level of commitment the mission demands.
Yes, I have an incredible team, many passionate individuals who believe in the future of esports in Ghana. But as much as they show up for the vision, I must also show up for them. Because leadership isn’t just about direction, it’s about demonstration.
And let’s be real: I’m human. I get tired. I might miss a message, feel overwhelmed, or need a moment to recharge. But through it all, the dream remains clear: to inspire this generation and the next with the transformative power of esports. I believe in failing forward and leveraging what I have around me to make a meaningful trajectory.
This is my journey.
This is our movement.
In Africa, esports is a call of duty and a labour of sacrifice.
This is me, sharing a piece of my heart with you, to say that yes, I do get cold feet sometimes; I am not Superman, I am human, but I push through to make things happen to the best of my abilities and for the great purpose of the community.
I hope someone gets inspired and DOESN’T GIVE UP.
Stay inspired.
Stay committed.
More vim,
Kwesi Hayford