Rick scores as TV pundit

SUSSEX Express sports editor Rick Lenton is back behind his desk in Lewes after a three month sabbatical in Ghana where he became something of an overnight sensation.

Rick was in Ghana to carry out voluntary training work, and when his commitment had been completed he found himself a job as a TV pundit.

Rick helped with coverage of the World Cup as special guest on the local television station TV3. He gave his views on every match except the final.

At one point he took over commentary of the Ireland-Germany game when the sound system failed.

'I was nervous at first but then I treated it as though I was talking to my mates about football in the pub,' he said.

'The funny thing was that I became a celebrity. I couldn't walk down the street without being recognised.

'That was because I was the only white man on Ghana television except for the cast of Home and Away!'

Rick, 27, went to Ghana through the organisation Teaching and Projects Abroad which assists professional people in providing their services as volunteers to poorer nations.

Rick had to raise 2,000 to cover his flight and expenses. To do that he took out a second mortgage on his flat, and also received financial assistance from Ringmer and Lewes Football Clubs.

He was supposed to teach English and coach football in an Accra school as his first assignment but when he arrived he discovered the schools were on holiday.

He back-packed around Ghana instead and had some curious experiences.

At one point he was chased through the jungle by baboons and on another occasion by elephants!

Back in Accra he joined radio station Vibe FM but that station closed the next day when it failed to attract enough advertising to pay the staff.

Rick then joined TV3 after a brief stint with radio station Choice FM in which he took part in a sports discussion programme and helped analyse the European Champions League final.

Said Rick: 'It was a wonderful experience. Ghana is a lovely country. The people are very hospitable. One day I hope to go back.'