Kochi: "Believe me; he is young, strong and talented. He'll deliver." These words from former Kerala Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic about Kwame Peprah when the latter joined the team at the start of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season were to prove prophetic.
Ivan was responding to criticisms over the Ghanaian striker's inclusion in the playing XI despite his repeated failures and inefficiency in front of the goal. And Peprah has not let Ivan down. Although Mikael Stahre took over the reins of Kerala Blasters replacing Ivan when Peprah returned to the team after a long injury layoff, he got an early chance to impress the new coach.
He has scored four goals from Kerala Blasters' first three matches in the ongoing Durand Cup. Blasters have sailed into the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament, pumping as many as 16 goals past their opponents in the three group-stage matches. The 23-year-old Peprah, who was at the forefront of this stunning goal-fest, talks about the new coach and his expectations for the upcoming season in a chat with Malayala Manorama.
Excerpts: As Kerala Blasters are gearing up for the new ISL season under Swedish manager Mikael Stahre, how do you feel? As a professional side, sticking to the coach's strategy is important to succeed. The new coach has put together a game plan. The players need to adjust and adapt to his vision and tactics.
Are you excited to have a new attacking partner in Noah Sadaoui for the new season? Of course. Dimi .