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A pledge to make nation proud
By: Bernard Nyankomago Yeboah
6th May 2008
Being the sole club representing Ghana in Africa precisely in the CAF Confederations Cup, players of the Porcupine Warriors have assured Ghanaians including their teeming and dedicated fans that they will make the nation proud by qualifying for the next stage of the competition as they clash Dolphins of Nigeria this Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Roaring like a wounded Lion, the fabulous boys have also vowed to demolish Coach Lawrence Akpokona and his lads who are boasting about their 2-0 victory in the first league at J.S Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
This came to light when Kotoko Express spoke with a number of players last Sunday on the team’s preparations for the expected uncompromising and cagey Confederation Cup 1/8th second league encounter.
Speaking in good and happy mood, most of them admitted that they hate to see the supporters looking so morose about Kotoko’s regrettable downfall in Nigeria and in view of that they have decided to account for Dolphins whether rain or shine in Kumasi.
“We aware that most Ghanaians especially Kotoko fans are disappointed for letting the entire nation down in Calabar. We are very sorry for that. It even came us a surprise to all of us. However, they must exercise patience and come to the stadium in their numbers this Sunday because we have special package for them as their compensation” the players assured.
When the Kotoko Express went further to know what exactly the special package was, Francis Coffie who has been very influential in the team and scoring important goals as well in recent times did not hesitate in revealing that they would give Ghanaians a sweet and resounding victory which among other things will send the Nigerians packing.
Though he was ruled out in the first leg due to some reported chicken pox he suffered from prior to their departure to Nigeria, he hopes to feature for the team on Sunday. “Right now there has been total improvement in my body. I am in good healthy indeed. I only pray that the coach will give me the opportunity to prove my worth against our bitter rivals” he explained.
Some of the strikers also shared their views about upcoming crucial game. With the exception of Eric Bekoe who was at the camp of the local Black Stars, virtually all the strikers comprising Nana Arhin Duah, Kwadwo Poku and Kwabena Yaro also promised to bang in the goals.
According to them, Kotoko supporters have attached much importance to this year competition and that there is the need to score more goals which will grant them qualification in order to pave way to zoom to the finals of the competition and win the definitive trophy.
In a different interview with Jordan Opoku after the Ghana/ Togo Africa Nation Championship (CHAN) qualifier match last Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, the sensational midfield gem who looks well composed and focused for the titanic game insisted that there is nothing to worry about as far as qualification is concern.
The former Feyenoord player noted that the respect and honour Kotoko have in Africa is still there and that they will do everything possibly to defend it. In his view if any club will be impediment to Kotoko success in the competition, it will not be Dolphins.
“I am not implying here that our opponent is not a better side. Of course they are good considering their performance in Calabar. We are taking them serious because if we dare underrate them, it can be very costive to us. That not withstanding, I challenge the fans to bet their last pesewa on us and surely we will not disappoint them because I believe we have the men to do the job” said Jordan.
Francis Akwaffo also believes that Dolphins who were at their loquacious best at Calabar had a saviour in Referee Osmane Karembe. He however warned that Sunday is definitely going to be remarkable day in the annals of the club as they are determine to repeat the 1987 miracle which happened at the then Kumasi Sports Stadium when Kotoko humiliated Zamalek of Egypt by 5-1 having lost the first league by 0-2.
He however appealed to all affiliated bodies of the club to play their usual roles efficiently to enable them fulfil their dream in the competition.
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