Richard Mantey, a top goalie in the horizon

Young goalkeeper, Richard Mantey, is gradually warming himself into stardom with his exceptional goalkeeping instincts which has endeared him to football coaches and fans ,who have watched him display on the field.

The 19-year-old shot stopper, who currently features for Accra Hearts of Oak’s junior team, Auroras, has made nine appearances and conceded only two goals which, a situation which has powered the young Phobians to an appreciable position on the Zone Three table of the Greater Accra Second Division league.

In an interview with the Graphic Sports last Saturday, Mantey said he discovered his goalkeeping abilities in 2006 after completing Nii Sowah Din Memorial Junior High School at Ashaley Botwe and later joined a division three side, Young Anderlecht FC. 

According to the young goalkeeper, before joining Auroras about five months ago, he played for division two sides Madina-based Fenerbahce and Mitjiland FC  where his heroics propelled both teams to finish in good positions.

Mantey,  who is dreaming of graduating to the senior side of Hearts next season, said waking up as early as 4 a.m. to do his personal training before joining his teammates at 6 a.m. for the day’s training was as paramount as playing in the premiership. 

“I am just praying and waiting for a call up to any of the junior national teams very soon and I know that with God everything is possible so one day I will get into the national team because I believe in myself and I believe in my abilities”, he said.