Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad says it was the right time for him to leave the club, despite the difficulty of the decision.
The 21-year-old was among 18 players released following a disappointing season for the Porcupine Warriors.
Danlad, who served as the captain before his departure, admitted that leaving after an eight-year tenure was challenging. However, he believes it was necessary to seek new challenges and continue his growth as a player.
“It has not been an easy decision because I’ve been at Kotoko since my childhood,” he told 3Sports. “But as a player, you need to try new challenges. I think this was the right time to leave.”
End of an era; Ibrahim Danlad
Danlad joined Asante Kotoko in 2016 as a teenager and won multiple trophies with the club under various coaches.
Initially, he struggled to break into the first team, spending loan spells with Berekum Chelsea and King Faisal. Over time, he established himself as the primary goalkeeper for the record holders of the Ghana Premier League.
His exceptional performances earned him call-ups to all of Ghana’s national teams, including the U17, U20, U23, Black Galaxies, and Black Stars. Danlad also showcased his leadership abilities by captaining most of these national teams.
However, the last two seasons were difficult for the young goalkeeper as he seemed to have lost the trust of his coaches, who preferred former Accra Lions goalkeeper Frederick Asare.
As the new season approaches, many are eager to see Danlad’s next move, given his significant contributions both locally and internationally. His departure marks the end of an era at Kotoko and opens a new chapter in his promising career.
