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Opinions of Monday, 4 July 2016

Columnist: Isaac Adade Boateng

Ernest Sowah’s form at Kotoko deserves a reward with Black Stars call up

Kotoko's safest pair of hands, Ernest Sowah Kotoko's safest pair of hands, Ernest Sowah

Ernest Sowah has proved he has the strength of character since he’s helped Kotoko rediscover their mojo in spectacular fashion; manning the Kotoko post with full agility to claim wins in their last three consecutive Premier League matches and also moving from the 16th position to within a hair's breadth of Hearts of Oak.

Kotoko is a strong team; the players appreciate and totally know they are expected to push. Winning games in the first place is really hard, you’ve got to get through bad patches; you’ve got to bounce back from poor results; and you’ve got to be consistent.

Since, Coach Michael Osei took over and made Sowah his number one choice, he has conceded only a single goal in five games and has undoubtedly proved his consistency by marshalling Kotoko's defence to three consecutive Premier League clean sheets – including the game against dreaded free scoring Hearts of Oak attack in Accra.

He (Sowah) has forged a very good reputation for himself as a very dependable Kotoko keeper. Sowah’s spell so far as Kotoko’s number one has turned him to one of the most talked about keepers in Ghana. He initially, enhanced his reputation with his superb display against Dreams fc.

Despite been denied call - up’s after warming the Black Stars bench at AFCON 2015, he continues as impressive a goalkeeper as he is, a call – up this time won’t be bad for Sowah, who has proven among his peers on the local scene that he more than deserves it.

Sowah may have to be rewarded by Grant with a call – up to the Black Stars for the up – coming games in June. Wa All Stars’ goalkeeper, Richard Ofori is uncapped for the senior team hence; Sowah may be the perfect fit and an able cover for Razak Braimah.

If his valiant performance for Kotoko is anything to go by, it is that Sowah should be at the centre of Avram Grant’s plans. Many technicians may probably not resist the idea of replacing the injured Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey with Sowah over his heroic form.

The Kotoko shot stopper has developed into a very solid goalkeeper indeed and has frequently demonstrated high levels of mental fortitude, particularly during challenging circumstances, most notably throughout the Kotoko league game at Bechem United.

Perhaps a Black Stars call – up will be the impetus in maintaining Sowah’s boosted form. He is having a very good season. Having quickly acclimatised to the Premier League and established himself at Kotoko, it would be pertinent for the handlers to examine his international credentials.

Every good national goalkeeper’s period of notable form and a solid display comes on the back of a national team call – up. Avram Grant’s success in Ghana has proven that he favours recognized performer between the sticks than names. Hence, it would be injudicious to suggest that humbly asking for Sowah’s call – up is fallacious and impervious to logic.

Yes, it is not any one’s responsibility to ask for it but Grant’s recent ethos often advocates the insertion of a star performer in his team and it is one reason he keeps going about his duties in Europe to monitor players with consistent current form. Regardless of subjective opinions of Sowah, his awesome performance would still echoe week in - and - out.

Indeed, if Ernest Sowah keep impressing, and his form for Kotoko continues, it should certainly give Avram Grant food for thought as an alternate stopper for the injured Adam Kwarasey ahead of the Black Stars’ impending games in June.