Big Chance Beckons Yartey At Benfica

To say wonder kid Ishmael Yartey is a big thing waiting to unfold in the senior team of Portuguese giants, Benfica, is stating the obvious.

Last weekend the reality dawned on Benfica officials that Yartey might break into the senior team earlier than anticitaped after scoring a great goal and setting up another in his team's 4-0 thrashing of Athletico in a junior league match.

Immediately after the match Yartey received wide publicity on the club's website when he was interviewed on the prospects of his expected promotion to the first team anytime soon.

In an exclusive interview with the Graphic Sports from Portugal, Ishmael who was adjudged man-of-the-match in that game could not hide his joy about his current flashy form which has made him a darling boy in the Portuguese club.

“I was interviewed by the club's website on my current performance and what my contribution will be to the first team when promoted,” the soft-spoken player said.

“My ambition is to work harder to break into the first team and help it to win major titles and also establish my name here,” the talented offensive midfielder declared.

Even before he makes the first team, the 18-year-old Black Satellites midfielder is relishing the unique opportunities he has so far had with his senior colleagues, both at training and in competitive matches.

Yartey whose 18-month preliminary contract with Benfica took effect from January disclosed that he had had the chance of playing alongside senior team players like Ivorian Marc Zoro, Angola's Mantorras, David Louis, Simao, and others in the Liga Intercalai which is a special competition comprising a blend of five juniors and six senior players.

He said in the most recent Liga Intercalai game which he fondly recalled, Benfica beat Torrensa 2-1, courtesy Simao and Mantorras goals.

Story by Samuel Ebo Kwaitoo