Ibrahim Danlad: You need to try new challenges as a player
Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad has opened up about. His decision to leave the club, emphasising the importance of embracing new challenges as a professional footballer.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper, who recently exited Kotoko after an eight-year tenure. Expressed his readiness for the next phase of his career.
Danlad, who captained Kotoko and represented Ghana at various national levels, acknowledged the difficulty of leaving a club he joined in his childhood.
“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.”
You need to try new challenges as a player
The decision comes amid a significant overhaul at Asante Kotoko, with the club releasing 18 players as part of a strategy to rebuild following. A disappointing sixth-place finish in the Ghana Premier League.
Danlad joined Kotoko in 2016 as a teenager and initially 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, contributing to Kotoko’s multiple trophy wins under various coaches.
His stellar performances earned him call-ups to all of Ghana’s national teams, including the U17, U20, U23, Black Galaxies, and the Black Stars. Danlad also showcased his leadership abilities by captaining most of these national teams.
Despite his past successes, the last two seasons were challenging for Danlad. He found himself losing the trust of his coaches, who favored former Accra Lions goalkeeper Frederick Asare. This shift ultimately led to his decision to seek new opportunities.
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Danlad will land next. His departure from Kotoko marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in his promising career. With his experience and talent, Danlad is poised to make a significant impact wherever he goes.