By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 14-04-11

As one of the 14 new players recruited at the beginning of the second round, Yaw Frimpong has a fine place in the hearts of many Kotoko fans.

He’s been part of the regular team since his first game under Coach Bogdan Korak.

 In the interview below he talks about himself and how he loves to see Kotoko fans happy all the time.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

My name is Yaw Frimpong as you and everybody associated with Kotoko maybe aware. I am a footballer. I play for Kotoko. I am a defender. I am 24 years old and former player of Feyenoord Academy and Asec of Abidjan. I hail from Sewia, Ashanti Region. I am the second born of five children. I have two brothers and two sisters. I attended St. Augustine Anglican Junior High School in Kumasi after which I joined Feyenoord Football Academy at Gomoa Fetteh.

How many years did you spend at the Academy?

I spent almost 10 years. I went there in 2000. I went through the ranks – training and playing all the time. There were times that we played trial matches and some other competitions in and outside Ghana. For instance, we went to Belgium and Holland.. My days at Feyenoord Academy were great. I cannot forget them easily. It was from Feyenoord that I went to Asec, where I played for two seasons – 2009 and 2010 before returning to Ghana. It was a great experience there. I won two league trophies with Asec.

What has been your experience at Kumasi Asante Kotoko?

My experience here has been good and wonderful at the same time. Everything has been fine. Training sessions, trials, league or competitive matches – everything has gone well. I thank God for that because not every player will have things smoothly like that. I am very grateful.

So there hasn’t been any difficulty since you came?

I do not think so. The management and technical members, my teammates; the supporters – everybody has been fine with me. The management members have been encouraging me and my colleagues. The coaches also do the same thing. I am at Kotoko to do my best for the club.

You have been regular in the team. What has kept you going?

I believe it is hard work, hard training and my determination to succeed. We train well and I do my best during training sessions and when I play. I always want to do my best wherever I go or whenever I am fielded. That is the time I can show my true form or performance. I can also talk of teamwork or team play. We help each other. So teamwork is also part.

I guess your position in the team is secured; isn’t it?

I am here to do my best as I told you. I am a professional. Every professional player wants to work hard in order to play regularly. So I will work hard. I think that is what will help me to be consistent. I cannot say much. I have to train and play well all the time. I am capable of playing in different positions other than defence. I can play on the right wing and also deep in midfield.

Does Kotoko have a good chance of winning the MTN FA Cup?

I think so. I am very confident about that. Kotoko has a good chance of winning the FA Cup. The entire team believes that. After beating Aduana Stars, the rest of the teams will not be that difficult to beat.

What about the league? Where will Kotoko place in the end?

Second position; it should be our worse position. Looking at our form, things are better than it used to be. We are improving. I am confident that if we continue to improve, we can do better than some are even expecting. However, my expectation is that, all things being equal, the second position should not elude us. With hard work, we can achieve that. We need everybody’s support to achieve that. We need continuous support wherever we play the rest of the matches.

Your contract with Kotoko is three years; where do you aspire to go after that?

To play at the highest level; every footballer wants to play at the highest level of the game. I cannot say much but I have a big aspiration. I want to play for the national team as well, the Black Stars. It is my dream. When the opportunity comes, I will love it. I am looking forward to that. I am working hard and I believe the chance will come.

What are your final words?

I will appeal to the fans to continue supporting us; they have to come to the stadium and cheer us to victory anytime we play. Without them, we cannot do much. We always need their presence and support, their cheers and encouragement. I love the supporters. I love to see them being happy all the time. They go happy when the team wins so they should come and support us.

Fact file

Name: Yaw Frimpong 

Age:  24 years

Date of Birth: December 12, 1984

Position:   Defender (Utility Player)

Former Clubs: Feyenoord & Asec Mimosa 

Favourite Music: Gospel

Favourite food: Fufu & Light Soup with chicken 

Hobby: Playing draft 

Role Model: Maicon Douglas Sisenando, Brazil

Hometown: Sewei, Ashanti Region