I'll Play For Kotoko

Bernard Dong Bortey

Speedstar Bernard Dong Bortey yesterday surprised the entire Phobian fraternity when he swore never to play for Hearts of Oak again.

The former national player, who is currently under contract with Hearts, in an interview on Asempa FM, an Accra-based radio station, claimed that the Phobians have never treated him well after the nine years he had served the club, pledging to re-launch his career with Kotoko.

“Even if Hearts officials promise to give me a house, car and lots of money, I will never play for the team again.  

“I will play for another team but not Hearts,” he stressed.

According to him, he has spoken with Sarfo Gyamfi, a management member of the Porcupine Warriors, who has assured him of Kotoko's support.

Narrating why he left Kotoko for Hearts after he had trained and lived for a couple of days in Kumasi, he mentioned that it happened through the influence of his mother.

“I was in Kumasi living with Godwin Ablordey when my mother called questioning me why I should play for Kotoko, adding that my wife had delivered, which made me leave for Accra.

“By the time I reached Accra, Hearts executives including Harry Zakkour, Steve Akwetey and Thomas Okine had gone in for my card which made it impossible for me to return to Kumasi.”

He however blamed Herbert Mensah, then CEO of Kotoko, for not securing his card first, which would have made him stay with Kotoko.

Dong Bortey, who was full of emotion as he spoke, said he has a lot of years more in his career citing Clarence Seedorf of AC Milan who is about 35 years old and still playing at competitive level.

He pledged to deliver for Kotoko when they sign him.

By Charles Nixon Yeboah