Kumasi Asante Kotoko midfielder, Richard Mpong has expressed confidence in his new club to retain the Glo Ghana Premier League title come end of the 2012/13 soccer season despite their poor start. Mpong has even pledged that Kotoko are so prepared and ready to defend the title that they will seal it with five matches to spare.

The Porcupine Warriors started their league campaign with two draws against new boys Amidaus Professionals and regional rivals, Ashantigold in the two match days old Glo league. But Mpong, who joined Kotoko from Medeame SC at the beginning of this season, has told URA Radio Sports in Bolgatanga that he is more than 100% sure Kotoko will retain the league trophy come the end of the season.

“It is too early to say anything but one thing for sure is that Asante Kotoko will defend the league trophy at the end of the 2012/13 season. Our start has not been what we wanted but we still have 28 matches to play. I’m sure we will turn around the results and retain our title,” Mpong said.

The striker also admits that Kotoko’s slow start to their league defence has put much pressure on the team to do well in subsequence matches.

“I must admit that there is so much pressure on us because playing for such a big club in Ghana and starting the new season on a very poor note with two draws in the first two matches is not what we expected as players. We are now under pressure to deliver for the fans in the remaining games and I’m sure we will be able to put aside the pressure and do well in the remaining matches,” Mpong assured.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are next at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi against Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 3.

The champions will be hoping that with the return of their head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani who missed the first two matches due to his commitment with the national under 17 female soccer team, the Black Maiden`s at the just ended FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup in Azerbaijan, they can claim their first win of the season.

Coach Dramani guided the Maidens to win an historic bronze medal, the nation’s highest ever placing at a FIFA women’s tournament.

Credit: Abagna Jose Nelson, GBC URA Radio Sports, Bolgatanga