Habib Mohammed cleared by doctors

By: Bernard Nyankomago

28th March 2008

It feels sad sometimes that injury hinders some potential and talented players from achieving their targets in their professional life. One such unlucky player is former Kumasi Asante Kotoko number one goalie, Habib Mohammed, who has been out of active football for virtually two years now due to a knee injury he sustained during the 2005 GT Premier League season.

However, the good news is that, he has fully recovered and ready to wear his gloves again for action when the second round of the Onetouch Premiership commences.

Speaking to Kotoko Express last Saturday on phone from Tamale, Habib confirmed that his doctor has declared him fit and that he hopes to join his colleagues in camp probably this week. He expressed joy about his current condition.

“I came to Tamale purposely to see my doctor for a routine check up. Though I knew there has been improvement in my condition, I wanted to be sure whether there were no hiding injuries. To my relief, I have been declared fit. I’m most grateful to Allah” he noted.

He added that he was hoping to start training with his team mates latest this weekend.

The former Real Tamale United goalkeeper says his return has been made possible by the support he received from management and supporters of the club who in diverse ways contributed to his recovery.

“Kotoko management and supporters have really showed me great love. Ever since I sustained this injury, they never abandoned me. They kept in touch frequently and gave me everything due me”.

“I’m most appreciative and I assure them of my best efforts always, now that I have recovered to pay them back” he uttered.

As a great player with a vision to fulfil with the Porcupine Warriors, Habib was bothered about the fact that he has been missing in actions for a while.  

According to him, he always feels the need to step up whatever he is doing in line with recovery to be able to return to man the post.

His hope lies in Allah that he will guide him against injury and give him the total strength this time round to come back to his favourite post to do what he knows best in a special way.

Asked how difficult it would be for him to break into the first team considering how the likes of Soulama Abdoulaye and Co. are performing in recent matches, he admitted that getting first team selection would definitely be a tall mountain for him to climb.

But as a person who believes that nothing is beyond Allah’s control, he knows if it Allah’s will, he will soon regain the number one shirt.

Nothing, he says, can prevent him from doing so.

“Judging from the sterling performance of Kotoko in the first round, I don’t need to be told that getting first team selection will be any easier. All the players have proved that they really deserved to be in the team. However, I believe Allah gave me the talent and will help me to deliver if he wishes so” he stated.

Highly remembered for his spectacular saves during the 2005 league season, Habib was very happy that even without his services; his colleagues have done a remarkable job.

He applauded management, the technical bench and players for their strenuous efforts which have ensured their top position on the league table.

In his opinion, this is the best performance of the team since his transfer from R.T.U and was confident if it continues like this, Kotoko will definitely win the league.