By: Bernard Nyankomago Yeboah

Date: 27-10-11

Midfield workaholic Yahaya Mohammed says the team is prepared to restore the reputation of Baba Yara Stadium as the fast track stadium where Kotoko would remain invincible.

Having bounced from their 1-1 draw with Tema Youth in their opening league fixture to win two matches back to back Ashgold and Bechem United, Yahaya Mohammed says the players are in no mood to drop any points in the remaining games.

“We have finished with Ashgold and Bechem United. We want to tell the other teams to beware of Kotoko especially at Baba Yara” he cautioned.

Yahaya Mohammed joined the Porcupine Warriors in the off season together with players like Amos Frimpong, Abdul Baba Rahman, Kofi Nti Boakye, Augustine Okrah, Richard Yeboah, Adjei Mensah, Michael Anaba, Michael Mensah among others.

He has so far shown a lot of promise in the ongoing Glo Premiership. In Kotoko’s first game against his former team, Tema Youth at the Tema Park, Yahaya Mohammed came in to replace Frank Boateng after recess. His presence brought stability into the midfield as he won virtually all the 50-50 balls aside his spectacular free kicks and long range shots.

That sterling performance he demonstrated against the Harbour City Boys earned him first team selection against the miners, Ashgold and Bechem United. Not only did he exude much confidence in both games but he also contributed immensely to help Kotoko spank Ashgold 3-0 and Bechem United 3-2 both at the Baba Yara Stadium.

When Kotoko Express caught up with him after training last Wednesday’s evening, Yahaya Mohammed expressed satisfaction for the impact he has started making at Kotoko. He promised to work hard and hit top form in order to deliver his best for Kotoko in the remaining matches.

“I joined Kotoko with high expectation and I am happy that things have started going on well for me. But I wont be complacent. I will work hard and continue to offer Kotoko my best anytime I get the opportunity” he stated.

He thanked Coach Maxwell Konadu and his technical staff for the confidence reposed in him adding that his best is yet to come. He was also full of praises to the Kotoko supporters for wonderful manner they have supported him and Kotoko in general and asked for similar thing in the matches left.

Asked whether the presence of midfielders like Mike Akuffu, Nii Adjei, Frank Boateng, Michael Anaba, Fatawu Mohammed and co sometimes put pressure on him, Yahaya Mohammed replied that he likes challenge in life. He believes the presence of these midfielders will rather encourage him to work hard all the time.

Commenting on their first three games in the league, the strong midfielder hinted that it has not been easy for them at all despite picking seven out of the nine points at stake.

“The matches we have played so far have been very challenging. Our last game against Bechem United for instance was very tough. The Bechem boys played a well determined game but I thank God we managed to win eventually” he noted commending his colleague for the fighting spirit they shown on the day.

He refused to accept the blame that they underestimated their opponent whom before meeting Kotoko had lost 2-3 to New Edubiase and 0-2 to Ebusua Dwarfs in their previous two games. According to him, the stiff opposition they faced has taught them many lessons and would also help them to sit up since the so called smaller clubs have proven that when given the least chance they can cause upset.

Assessing their chances against Kpando Heart of Lions who won their first game 1-0 against Wassaman, lost their second game 0-1 to New Edubiase and drew 1-1 with Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs in their last game at the Kpnado Park, Yahaya Mohammed conceded that it would not be any easy match for his side taking into accounts that Paa Kwasi Fabin, head coach of Lions had some stints with Kotoko last season.

But he emphasized that no matter the threat Coach Paa Kwasi and his boys would pose at the Baba Yara Stadium, they would eventually leave empty handed. He called on all followers of the club to throng the stadium massively and help make the “operation nine point” at Baba Yara a reality.

The former Tema Youth skipper also did not rule out his quest to play for the senior national team, the Black Stars. He said he would continue to put in a strenuous effort in the matches ahead in order to catch the eyes of Coach Goran Stevanovic ahead of the Gabon/Equatorial Guinea 2012 African Cup of Nations.