Technical
Advisor, Malik Jabir, has lauded Kotoko’s effort in the second
phase of the Glo Premier League, however, he believes the team
can do better in the remaining games if all organs of the club
especially the players avoid complacency and continue to work
hard.
“I appreciate the team’s
effort in the second round but I think there is still room for
improvement. So let’s all avoid complacency and continue to work
hard to ensure that Kotoko gets to where it truly deserves in
Africa football” he said.
The
Porcupine Warriors had a torrid time in the first round of the
league. Out of the 15 matches played, Kotoko managed to win only
five, drew three and lost the remaining seven, but the team’s
performance in the second round has been a delight to watch.
In the seven games played so far, Kotoko
have won five against All Stars, Dwarfs, B.A Stars, Aduana Stars
and Hearts of Oak, drawn one with New Edubiase and lost the
other one to Berekum Chelsea.
Asked what keeps propelling Kotoko to
victory match after match in recent times, Malik Jabir, the man
who scored the winning goal for Kotoko to annex the 1971 African
Club Championship trophy at the expense of Englebert in Congo
attributed it to many factors.
He believes
management and the technical staff did the right recruitment for
the second round of the season and also appreciates the fact
that the current crop of players in the team are physically fit
and dedicated as well.
He also
thinks the wind of unity blowing in the team likewise the great
support they receive from management and the fans all the time
keep inspiring them to success.
“I’m not
boasting but I think what we are seeing now is the benefit of
the good work we did after the first round. It’s not a matter of
juju or magic as people say. The players we recruited have
brought some sort of urgency and competition into the team. Now
every player is serious at the training because they want to get
regular selection”.
“Aside
that, there is total unity among us. From management, technical,
players up to the supporters’ level, we all do things together.
There have been many instances where we also share ideas with
past management members and technical people. This kind of
cohesion among us is really helping a lot.
“Dr. K.K
Sarpong and his management, as well as the supporters also
deserve credit. In fact, they have been great. They don’t
interfere with our work. All they do is to stand behind whatever
decision we take as coaches and also make sure the players are
motivated” he explained.
Not happy with the way Kotoko has been
changing management and coaches for the last decade, Malik is
praying and hoping that Dr. Sarpong and his men whom he
described as people with great vision will stay in office for a
very long time in order to accomplish all their set targets.
The former
Kotoko player also wants supporters of the club to be patient
with Serbian Tactician, Bogdan Korak, because he is convinced he
can take Kotoko to high places with time judging from the
transformation he has brought into the team.
“Administrative and coaching instability has hindered the
progress of Kotoko. So I’m pleading that there should be
consistency in the team this time round”.
Asked to assess Kotoko’s chances in
Wednesday’s MTN FA Cup match against Aduana Stars at the Baba
Yara Stadium, Malik hinted that the team has really prepared
well for this particular game. He is positive their effort will
be manifested at the end of proceedings.
“We really
attach much importance to the FA Cup. We want to win the trophy
and get the opportunity to play in the CAF Confederation Cup
next season”.
On the remaining eight league matches
against King Faisal, R.T.U, Berekum Arsenal, Heart of Lions,
Ashgold, Mighty Jets, Liberty and Medeama, Malik admitted that
it would be a daunting task but not beyond the capability of
Kotoko.
He added
that the players were not under any pressure ahead of these
games and would take one match at a time.
