There is this belief that journalists wax lyrical albeit one good performance of a footballer but the recent consistent performances of Asante Kotoko’s net minder, Frederick Asare make such belief, a misnomer. The lad is in superb form and is one of the reasons why fans of the club want him in post at the expense of deputy skipper Ibrahim Danlad.
It is hard to imagine how Asante Kotoko would fare without Asare, and it is fair to say they will struggle to replace him. It was his excellence that prevented Asante Kotoko from humiliation in their game against Nsoatreman FC last Saturday.
It wasn’t so surprising to hear fans of the club applaud his heroics after that game. That should tell you Asare’s quality! He has character and is a great professional; he deserves all the praise being given him.
Being a goalkeeper is challenging, no question about it. You train in small isolated groups, have holes picked in every performance you put in and more than often than not, pay for any slip-ups by losing your place in the side.
For some keepers though, sitting on the bench and trying to force their way into the first team is often the first order of the day. Some eventually breakthrough and earn that coveted starting berth, but some wind up playing second fiddle for the majority of any given season.
Arriving from Accra Lions this season and playing second fiddle to Danlad, arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the country, many a goalkeeper would have fizzled out at the sight or mention of the Black Stars goalkeeper’s name but Asare never capitulated and bravely soldiered on and prayed for a better day.
By a quirk of fate, he assumed the role of No. in the absence of Danlad who was in Algeria on an international assignment with the Black Galaxies. In 11 games, he has conceded 8 goals and kept 4 clean sheets. Danlad on other hand has conceded 8 goals in 7 games and has kept one clean sheet.
Asare’s patience and resilience seems to have paid off as he has almost dislodged Danlad, who fluffed his lines when Kotoko played against Dreams FC on his return from the CHAN tournament.
The role of the back-up keeper is very important – so we’re told. Without someone pushing the No.1, it’s easy to take your spot in the team for granted. When a goalkeeper signs for a club it’s made clear whether they can expect to be No.1, No.2 or No.3. That isn’t the norm in any other position.
With outfield players, every shirt is up for grabs. Even when it is clear players are being signed for a rotational role or to one day succeed the senior player in their position; the drop-off in quality is never as stark as in the goalkeeping depth chart.
The former Accra Lions stopper has it all - distribution, reflexes, handling and leadership qualities that you can only admire as a spectator.
His stellar performances have seen him grabbing the headlines recently - the ultimate test will now see whether or not he has what it takes to sustain the momentum and keep Ibrahim Danlad on the bench for the rest of the season
