Eric Bekoe: I am not a selfish player

By: Jerome Otchere

2007/8 premier league goal king, Eric Bekoe, whose 87th minute goal sent the Baba Yara Sports Stadium into euphoric mood when Kotoko played their Sudanese counterparts, El-Merreikh has disagreed with suggestions that he is a selfish player.

The goal poacher has told Kotoko Express that it was wrong for supporters to label him as a self-centred player because he has always believed in team work and remains a team player.

“I totally disagree with that assertion or description because my aim is to win and it is team work that brings victory. We have equally good strikers in the team. Why would I not give them the necessary support to score, when all the team needs is victory all the time” he argued.

The striker stressed that selfishness was not one of his personality trait and that he would never be selfish on the field of play.

Clarifying his position further, Eric Bekoe stated that a player could decide to be adventurous upfront but being adventurous, he explained was not the same as being selfish.

“You can get an opportunity or a chance and try to do something spectacular. That is not selfishness but when you hold on to the ball and fail to release it at the appropriate time, you then become selfish” he opined.

The striker pleaded with Kotoko supporters to be patient and supportive particularly in difficult situations saying, “When the going gets tough, that is when we need the spectators to cheer us. They do not have to be dejected because in football things can go wrong even when you plan well”.

Against El-Merriekh, Eric Bekoe, Kwabena Yaro and a host of other players squandered decent scoring opportunities thereby creating great anxiety in the stands.

Majority of the supporters criticised Kwabena Yaro for messing up upfront. Others too were unhappy with what they called Eric Bekoe’s ‘stylish play.’

They accused the current goal king of being unnecessarily skillful and over elaborative. These criticisms were to be expected at the time the team was throwing begging chances away, Bekoe says the game was difficult because the Sudanese team, just like Kotoko prepared adequately for the match.

“We were not going to have it easy because El-Merriekh prepared adequately. We also made some good plans. We matched them well but they were very tough. I agree we could have scored more than one but then it was not easy”.

“We apologize for the wasted chances and promise to make amends next time” he stated.

Eric Bekoe currently leads the goal king race in the Confederation Cup competition with seven goal.