Prolific Hearts of Oak striker, Kofi Kordzi, says rival side Asante Kotoko have not won the 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League (GPL) yet as being speculated in some football circles.
“We still have a long way to go. Talks that they (Kotoko) have won the league in advance should be treated with contempt.
“We have 17 good games to play in the second round – and that’s 51 points. That’s why nobody can lay claim to the title at the moment,” Kordzi told the Times Sports in an interview on Wednesday.
Kotoko occupy the summit on 37 points – 12 points more than Hearts, and seven stronger than second-placed Bechem United heading into the second stanza which rolls off today.
The points difference, clearly, should be a Himalayan hurdle for Hearts to surmount as they aim frantically for a title defence.
However, the aggressive forward said all was not lost yet.
“Surely, the task ahead of us as defending champions is really huge. But don’t forget we are Hearts and we never say die until the bones are rotten.”
He said the Phobians did not hit the ground running to their title defence, “but thankfully, we’re improving tremendously as you witnessed yourself in our last few games including the goalless draw with Kotoko.”
“I can assure you that we’re going to fight until it’s all over.”
Kordzi was also buoyant in his conviction of winning the GPL goal-king race.
“My target is to win the goal-king title and I’m going to work very hard towards that goal during this second round. I know it’s going to be a difficult task, but you know nothing good comes easy and I’m going to keep my nose to the grindstone to make the dream possible,” the gangling Hearts striker had told the Times Sports earlier.
The 26-year-old goal-getter crashed home seven goals in 14 games in the first round, promising to do more in the reverse round.
He thanked the management of Hearts, his team-mates and supporters of the club for their unflinching support.
“As we resume the second round, we shall need the backing of the supporters especially, now than ever but we’re grateful for all they’re doing for us,” Kordzi stressed.
Hearts have a cagey engagement with Legon Cities on match-day 18 of the GPL at the El-Wak Sports Stadium tomorrow – while rivals and leaders Kotoko oblige Dreams FC to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
BY JOHN VIGAH:
