By: Bernard Nyankomago-Yeboah

Date: 13-04-11

Skilful midfielder, Haruna Ganiyu, believes the wind blowing in the camp of Asante Kotoko will surely propel the team to greater heights next season.

“Kotoko has started improving and if things continue this way I’m positive the team will be great and strong next season” was his response when Kotoko Express enquired from him how he sees the future of the club.

The midfielder started the 2010/11 Glo Premier League season on a very good note. His output in Kotoko’s first two games against Medeama and Liberty Professionals where he was adjudged the best player in both games pleased many Kotoko supporters.

Unfortunately, he got injured when Kotoko beat Tudu Mighty Jets 1-0 in match day three at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. He returned to active play in the 12th week goalless drawn game against B.A Stars at Sunyani. However, a cynical tackle on him in the subsequent game against Bechem Chelsea aggravated his injury and kept him out of the remaining games of the first round. 

Though he recovered fully before the second round commenced, Haruna Ganiyu has found it difficult breaking into the first team.

In an interview with Kotoko Express after Kotoko defeated King Faisal 2-1 in the 23^rd week fixture at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday evening, the young player promised to work hard and carve a niche for himself in the remaining seven matches.

 “It was my target to go high places this season but injury has prevented me from meeting my target. I thank God I feel better at the moment. I’m hoping to enjoy more playing time in the remaining matches and contribute my quota to the betterment of Kotoko” he explained.

On the Kotoko-King Faisal game itself, Haruna Ganiyu lauded his colleagues for their gallant display on the evening and promised another fascinating game in Tamale against R.T.U on next Wednesday.  

Having dealt with their city rivals, the Porcupine Warriors will travel to the Northern Region capital to battle relegation threatened, R.T.U in the 24^th week fixture to be followed by Berekum Arsenal, Heart of Lions, Ashgold, Mighty Jets, Liberty and Medeama.

Indeed the R.T.U-Kotoko encounter promises to be cagey taking into account that R.T.U is languishing at the 15th position on the league table. They will as a result go all out to redeem their image when they host Kotoko. However, having defeated them 2-1 in the first leg, the Porcupine Warriors are bent on repeating the dose on Coach Mohamed Gargo and his boys.

Commenting on the upcoming match, Haruna Ganiyu admitted that R.T.U would definitely be a hard nut to crack in Tamale. However, he believes Kotoko have the arsenal to surmount any threat posed by their opponents and grab the three points at stake.

“R.T.U will surely be tough because they are not safe in the competition. No matter the opposition they give us, we will come out victorious” he noted entreating authorities to ensure adequate security.

Asked how he sees the chances of Kotoko in the on going MTN FA Cup, the skillful winger said with optimism that Kotoko has got the character to annex the trophy.

After defying all odds to beat Deportivo 3-2 at the round of 32 and Aduana Stars 11-10 on penalties at the 1/16 stage, Ganiyu said they are battle ready for any opponent at the quarter finals stage. He however charged his colleagues to keep their composure and intensify their preparations as well to ensure a successful journey in the remaining games

“Our last two games have been very tough but if you look at the character we showed in both games coupled with the materials we have at the moment, I don’t think any team can deny us the opportunity to win the competition” he observed.

The fabulous boys defeated King Faisal to win the FA Cup for the last time in 2001 at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium. Since the competition returned this season, Coach Korak and his lads have given a good account of themselves wining all their three matches played at home against Nungua based division two side Danbort FC, Deportivo FC and Aduana Stars.

Ganiyu said all the players were anxious to play in African next season and would go all out to make it a reality by winning the FA Cup.