Gernot Rohr reveals how Michel Boni agreed to play for Benin

Bénin head coach Gernot Rohr has explained the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to the invitation of young attacker Michel Boni.

Boni, 17, who has routes in Ivory Coast and Bénin, is one of the new faces alongside ASPACK striker, Sahid Ngobi to be injected into the Cheetahs 25-man squad by the German tactician for their two friendlies this month.

Boni, who plays for Brentford FC’s reserve team in England, is seen as one for the future hence a quick move by the West African nation to tap into his talent.

Michel Boni is of Ivory Coast and Benin descent

Gernot Rohr said: “Michel Boni is both Ivorian and Beninese through his mother. We went out of our way to meet him, and we managed to convince both his mother and his agent to advise him to come,” he told One TV’s Felix Sohounde.

“He himself is very enthusiastic about the idea of playing with us. He’s only 18 years old (18 on March 28 next, editor’s note).

“He’s at Brentford in England, and it’s a satisfaction for us that he accepted our invitation.”

He has seven games with four goals for Brentford’s U-21 in their current campaign. He joined Brentford from Leicester City’s youth setup and is expected to add fluidity in Bénin’s attack.

The Cheetahs have two friendlies against Palestine and Guinea with the games set to be played in Morocco.

They will battle Palestine on March 27 and Guinea three days day later.