By: Bernard nyankomago-Yeboah

Date: 10-05-11

Stalwart defender, Awal Mohammed, is hoping to recover early enough from the injury to help the Porcupine Warriors successfully execute the remaining four matches of the Glo Premier League.

“The medical team says I can start training in ten days but I am hoping to return earlier to help Kotoko end the league well,” he noted.

The former Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord Academy and Asec Mimosas player got injured in the Heart of Lions-Kotoko 26^th week encounter which was rained off on Easter Monday at Kpando.

 Though he started the game the following day, he did not last the duration and was substituted for Henry Ohene Brenya immediately after recess.

When Kotoko Express enquired from him how he is feeling at the moment, the tall and well built defender explained that there has been improvement in his condition though he is still receiving medical treatment at home.

He urged all Kotoko supporters to calm their nerves over his injury and pray for him adding that it is not a career threatening injury.

Explaining what really happened to him on the field, Awal had this to say; “I went in for a tackle and my opponent in his attempt to jump over the ball stepped on my left foot. I believe it was not deliberate. He apologized to me after that incident”

Born to Mr. Awal Mohammed and Hajia Katim on May 1, 1988 at Oforikrom, a suburb of Kumasi, “Moa” as he is popularly known in football circles started Colts football with Rangers FC in Kumasi before joining Division One side, King Solomon FC in Accra.

After a year spell with King Solomon, he joined Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord Academy and was subsequently loaned to Asec Mimosas of Cote D’Ivoire. He returned to Feyenoord last year before landing in the camp of Kotoko this season.

Since arriving in the Porcupine fold, Awal has been instrumental in the Kotoko defensive set up with his aerial superiority and timely clearances. He also scored a goal against B.A Stars in the 19^th week fixture at the Baba Yara Stadium.

This notwithstanding, Awal has promised to work hard to deliver his best to the club as the Glo Premier League nears conclusion.

“I must admit that coming to Kotoko has been a blessing to me. Aside the name I am making for myself, I have also gotten the opportunity to play for the national teams.

“This is indeed a big honour to me but I am not complacent. I will continue to work hard to help Kotoko achieve success next season” he noted.

It will be remembered that Awal Mohammed was part of the home based Black Stars team that played in the CHAN Tournament in Sudan. He also featured prominently for the same side when Coach Kwasi Appiah led them to draw 1-1 with the Leone Stars in a special match organized to commemorate the 50th Independence Anniversary of Sierra Leone.

In his response to the secret behind Kotoko’s current form, Awal said it has been nothing apart from commitment and determination among the current crop of players.

“There is no secret apart from dedication and hard training. Every player in the team is determined to achieve success for himself and the club. That keep propelling us to higher heights” he indicated.

He did not hesitate to acknowledge the support and motivation they receive from the teeming supporters and management of the club everywhere they go.

After the 2-2 draw with Heart of Lions, Asante Kotoko will play Ashgold at the Baba Yara Stadium followed by Mighty Jets, Liberty Professionals and Medeama FC when the league resumes.

These matches look daunting but Awal Mohammed believes Asante Kotoko have the arsenal to surmount every challenge and secure a top four finish.

 “These matches are going to be tough but I believe strongly Kotoko have the materials to grab all the 12 points at stake and book a ticket to play in the MTN Top Four next season” he stated.

Assessing Kotoko’s chances in the MTN FA Cup, the enterprising defender said with optimism that Kotoko has the character and talents needed to annex the trophy after surviving the scare and threat posed by Asokwa based Deportivo FC and Aduana Stars during the round of 32 and 16 respectively.

 “It is our aim to win the FA Cup to compensate our fans and also get the opportunity to play in Africa. We know we have a tough battle against Heart of Lions at the quarter final stage but looking at our current form I don’t think our opponents will succeed in halting our objective” he assured.

Asante Kotoko last won the FA Cup in 2001 at the expense of city rivals, King Faisal. Since the competition bounced back this season, the team has fared well in their matches played so far.

The fabulous boys first thrashed Nungua based division two side Danbort FC 3-0 in the round of 64. They repeated the dose against Deportivo FC with a 3-2 victory before sending Aduana Stars packing on penalties.