Asante Kotoko’s Director of Football, Stanley Menzo, has expressed immense satisfaction with the return of goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad, describing the 25-year-old as a valuable asset despite his age. Danlad’s rejoin of the Ghanaian giants ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season follows a previous stint with Ethiopian side Coffee SC, where he maintained a remarkable 28 clean sheets across more than 55 appearances across various competitions. Menzo emphasized that Danlad’s experience is a significant factor in his selection for the club.
Prior to his return, Danlad’s performance since returning to training has been markedly positive, according to Menzo. He highlighted that the goalkeeper has demonstrated a strong understanding of the club’s environment and expectations, a crucial aspect for a new player joining a competitive squad. ‘I know he is still young in football terms,’ Menzo stated, ‘but he is incredibly experienced. He’s been to the World Cup, and in my career, I also played as a goalkeeper, so I know what it takes to be one. That makes it easy to settle on him.’
Danlad first joined Kotoko as a teenager in 2016 and made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 away victory over Aduana FC during the club’s 2021-22 title-winning campaign. His subsequent performances earned him a spot in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under Otto Addo.
Kotoko will commence their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with an away fixture against newly promoted Debibi United. Menzo further noted that Danlad’s experience will be a key component of Kotoko’s defensive strategy, contributing to the team’s overall competitiveness. The club plans to build a strong defensive foundation for the upcoming season, and Danlad’s return is a welcome addition to that effort. The team is optimistic about their prospects, recognizing Danlad’s potential to significantly improve their defensive stability. The club is eager to leverage Danlad’s experience to compete at the highest level, and Menzo stressed the importance of his contribution to the team’s success. A study conducted by the Kotoko Football Club indicates a significant improvement in the team’s defensive record, partially attributable to Danlad’s presence.
Further details on Danlad’s performance and his role within the team’s tactical setup are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The club is actively evaluating the potential of this veteran goalkeeper to bolster their defensive line and contribute to Kotoko’s quest for victory.”
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Source: Adom Sports
