Amoah the showstopper: Kotoko coach tips youngster for greatness

Kumasi Asante Kotoko head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has expressed immense pride in the meteoric rise of his star striker, Albert Amoah, tipping him for stardom.

Amoah has been a revelation in the ongoing Ghana Premier League and the toast of Oseikrom since joining the Porcupine Warriors from Great Olympics on a three-year deal at the start of the season. 

His dramatic injury-time winner in last week’s Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak marked his seventh goal of the campaign and left him just one goal shy of Faisal Charwetey of Nations FC, the league’s current top scorer after 14 matches.

Rising stock

Coach Ogum, who has mentored Amoah since his teenage years, is not surprised by the 22-year-old’s brilliance.

He believes the young forward has all the attributes to achieve his dreams and reach the pinnacle of his football career and is confident that the platform provided by Kotoko will serve as a launchpad for even greater achievements.

“I coached Albert when he was a Senior High School student in the Central Region. So I’ve known him for a long time. I recognised his massive potential early on and worked to nurture it. Coaching is about unlocking potential, and I knew he only needed guidance,” Coach Ogum told Graphic Sports.

“He possesses the three ‘S’ of football—speed, skill and strength. What I admire most is his commitment and his desire to train and play. He is a very good player,” the Kotoko coach added.

Amoah’s exploits have also earned him a crucial role in the national team B, the Black Galaxies. He earned a starting role as the lead striker when Ghana clashed with Nigeria at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday in the first leg of the final qualifier for the next African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Coach Ogum is optimistic that Amoah will replicate his club form to propel the national side to success before returning to spearhead Kotoko’s quest for the league title. 

“He is always hungry to score in every match. If he maintains this mentality and stays disciplined, particularly with his training and fitness, he’ll surpass the player we’re seeing now,” Ogum said confidently.

The Kotoko coach, however, urged Amoah to remain grounded despite his rising star. He advised the player to work hard to ensure consistent high-rate performances as he develops his talent.

“I advise him to stay humble, listen to instructions and never stop working hard. Kotoko is a huge club with high expectations. He must use this platform to aim even higher.

He has what it takes to win the goal king title and his teammates are ready to support him to score more goals,” Ogum concluded.