Enterprising midfielder, Michael Akuffu says
Kotoko will put in a strenuous effort in the season to secure a
ticket for Africa next year.
Though he admitted that Kotoko would face a
stiff opposition from teams like Berekum Chelsea, Medeama, New
Edubiase and Aduana Stars, he was positive the Porcupine
Warriors have the arsenal to surmount every challenge.
“We met a
difficult situation at Kotoko, but we are very happy that our
inclusion has lifted the spirit of the team up in the Glo
Premier League.
“Our target now is to secure a position to
play in Africa, either in the
CAF Champions League or Confederations Cup. We know it will be a
challenging task because all the teams are doing well but we
will fight hard to make the dream a reality”.
“We only
need the total support from our fans. They must pray for us
against any unexpected injuries that can bring us down. I also
expect the referees to be fair at this juncture because this is
where some clubs will fight for the ultimate and against
relegation” as he poured out his heart to Kotoko Express.
Michael Akuffu is one of the 14 new players
who joined the team after the first round. He has so far been
consistent and has had a good cooperation from the likes of Nii
Adjei Frank Boateng, Samed Oppong and Albert Bruce in the
midfield.
He scored a perfect goal from the spot
against B.A Stars in the 19th week fixture at the
Baba Yara Sports Stadium after an unfair challenge on Nathaniel
Asamoah in the 30th minutes. The confidence and courage he
mustered to score the goal in that tension packed game was
lauded by many Kotoko supporters who had filled the stands to
near capacity.
This notwithstanding, Michael Akuffu is
still looking up to a much improved performance in the remaining
games. He promises to work hard and contribute his quota to the
progress of the club.
“It’s been
good for me so far but I am staying focused because I have a lot
in mind that I want to offer the club in the days ahead of me”
headed.
He
expressed much appreciation to Dr. K.K Sarpong and his Board of
Directors, management and supporters of the club for their
kindness which he said motivates them a lot on the field.
Having helped Kotoko to record three wins in
four games in the second round, Michael Akuffu has set his eyes
on the national team. He says it has always been his dream to
play for the Black Stars and he believes now is the moment to
prove his worth to Serbian tactician, Groan Stevanovic.
Commenting on Sunday’s MTN FA Cup match
against Nungua based Division Two side, Danbort FC; Akuffu
reiterated that they would attach all seriousness to the game.
He called
on supporters of the club to storm the stadium and witness
another good display of soccer after the recent 3-1 triumph over
B.A Stars at the same venue.
“We are not
taking chances despite the fact that we are playing against a
lower division side. We will go all out for victory and go ahead
to defend the trophy Kotoko won at the expense of King Faisal in
2001” he emphasized.
Michael Akuffo was born on December 18, 1985
in Tamale. He started his Colts football with Young Kotoko in
1995 in Tamale before joining Gomoa Fetteh
Feyenoord
Academy.
His performance at Feyenoord caught the eyes
of Asec Mimosas and he was transferred to the Ivorian side in
2007/08 football season. He later joined FC Popa of Finland in 2009
before returning to the country last season.
