Burly striker Mumuni Mustapha joined the Porcupine fold after powering Bechem United to the elite division last season. His hope to translate his scoring form into Kotoko hit a snag as a result of ankle injury he picked in training some few weeks to the commencement of the 2011/12 Glo Premier  League.

After his recovery, Mumuni helped the Kotoko reserve side to conquer the northern zone with 34 points but this time round, the enterprising striker is aiming high to carve a niche for himself in the senior side and help Kotoko to successfully execute the task ahead next season.

Below are excerpts of the interview he had with Kotoko Express via telephone on Wednesday after training.

Kotoko Express (KE): Nice talking with you.

Mumuni Mustapha (MM): It’s a pleasure.

KE: How is training?

MM: Training has been going very well. Every player is showing much seriousness at Adako Jachie. I think it’s a sign of brighter things to come next season.

KE: Good to know that. Now let’s talk about your football career

MM: I started playing football with Still Hope Professionals, a juvenile side at Obuasi, my hometown. After some years I joined Sekondi Hasaacas and later moved to Ashgold. Unfortunately I had a severe injury while playing for Ashgold in the 2009/10 Glo Premiership which kept me out of action for almost three months. When I recovered I could not get enough playing time so I was transferred to Bechem United then playing in the division one league. God being so good I regained my form and helped Bechem United to qualify for the premier league last season. From there I moved to Kotoko.

KE: How did you feel moving from Bechem United to a club with a huge reputation like Kotoko?

MM: I felt very excited because at a point I thought all was lost. My invitation to join Kotoko made me believe that there had been improvement in my performance because Kotoko as you know always go for quality players.

KE: You met strikers like Ahmed Toure, Ben Acheampong, Kofi Nti Boakye, Nafiu Iddrisu and Nathaniel Asamoah did their presence exert any pressure on you?

MM: No. I realized on the very first day at the training grounds that there was cordial relationship among the players.  We didn’t have anything like juniors or seniors and that made me really feel at home. I remember I missed a glorious chance that day and Toure quickly approached me and showed me how I should have placed the ball. The way he took his time to correct me really gingered my spirit.

KE: Were you disappointed that you made only one appearance in the league against Berekum Arsenals in Kumasi?

MM:  Yes I was very disappointed. I joined Kotoko with high hopes but I couldn’t meet my target as a result of that early injury. I hope next season will offer me the chance to make amends.

KE: How is Kotoko approaching the next season?

MM: As I told you earlier on we are leaving nothing to chance. Everybody is serious at training. I hope by the time the 2012/13 league kicks off Kotoko will be in good shape.

KE: What do you make of Coach Maxwell Konadu’s absence from the team?

MM: Admittedly Maxwell brought total transformation into the team and we will forever miss him. But I am sure Coach Mas-ud Dramani who is tipped to replace Maxwell will deliver well. The most important thing is to lend our total support behind him just as we gave to Maxwell.

KE: Most people attributed Kotoko’s success in the league to the Serbia training tour. Are you looking up to another training tour outside the country again?

MM: Going for a training tour outside the country is a sole decision of management but I think it will help a lot if we get the chance to train abroad so that it will give some of us the necessary exposure ahead of next season’s CAF Champions League.

KE: Your impression on last Saturday’s GFA/PLB Awards

MM: I congratulate all the award winners especially Nii Adjei for emerging the Best Player of the season. I know the coveted award will inspire him and the entire team to do more next season. To Soulama and Rahman who surprisingly missed their awards, I say better luck next time.

KE: Your final message?

MM: I will like to commend my colleagues for their wonderful work done in the season. But as we are much aware a lot will be expected from Kotoko next season so we ought to put every celebration behind us and plan well. Also to all my fans, they must exercise restraint because I promise toam coming up with something great next season.

KE: Thanks for your time.

MM: Thank you as well Bernard!