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Francis Coffie grateful to Coach Bash
By: Bernard Nyankomago
18th March 2008
Kotoko’s left winger, Francis Coffie says he can’t express bliss about his current form without giving credit to Coach Bashir Hayford for the kind of confidence he has reposed in him which has stirred him to improve his standard of play in the Onetouch Premiership.
“I was a little known player when arriving from Power FC. But I am proud of the name I am making for myself at Kotoko. There has been great improvement in my performance”.
“I now play with total confidence without any fear when on the ball. I am most indebted to Coach Bash. He stimulates and gives me the opportunity to exhibit my talent and potential. I will continue to train hard so as to impress him whenever I am given the chance” he told Kotoko Express on phone.
The 19 year old former Power FC player has flourished since he joined the Porcupine Warriors last season.
He was part of the team that embarked on a twelve-day training tour in Germany and latter in Ivory Coast as part of Kotoko’s pre- season preparation. This, Coffie was glad for, as it was his first foreign traveling experience in his career life.
Known for his dribbling skill, swiftness and shots, Coffie was at his usual best in last Sunday’s Onetouch Premiership first round final match against Real Tamale United at the famous Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
He was an exciting player to watch in the game as he harassed the opponents by earning a lot of infringements and set pieces for Kotoko.
When his impression about the game was sought, Coffie admitted that Kotoko did not have things easy irrespective of the fact that they played at home.
He admitted that there was little pressure on them before the match because they needed to win at all cost after drawing two games consecutively with Accra Hearts of Oak and Brekum Arsenal.
They therefore went into the game for nothing less than victory in order to at least bring smiles to the faces of their loyal fans.
Judging from his expressions, it was obvious that he was very excited about the 2-0 win which among other things has stretched Kotoko’s lead on the league table to 36 points leaving Liberty Professionals at the second position with 29 points after drawing 2-2 with Hasaacas at the Esipong Stadium last Sunday.
He noted that but for the downpour which prevented them from enjoying good play on the field, they could have even scored more goals. However, he was grateful to God for listening to their prayers and granting that sweet and resounding victory which he dedicated to the fans for their steadfast support.
Asked how he has fared in the first round of the league matches, he described it as normal though he hopes to train hard to get regular first team selection in the second round.
He added that he has now become used to everything in the team and that the fans should expect something big from him when the second round matches commences.
Beaming with smiles after putting up a good performance, he did not hesitate in commending his colleagues for their good work done which has made their position at the top of the league table possible and also prayed that God will guard them against injuries and give them the strength to deliver in the subsequent matches.
The skillful midfielder who is yet to make his debut in Africa urged his teammates to maintain the team’s spirit and cohesion. He believes it’s the only way they can defend the good name of Kotoko and Ghana in general..
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