Menzo backs World Cup goalkeeper Danlad to succeed at Kotoko

Asante Kotoko Director of Football Stanley Menzo believes Ibrahim Danlad can succeed after returning to the club from a two-year spell in Ethiopia. The 23-year-old goalkeeper spent those two seasons with Ethiopian Coffee SC before rejoining the Ghanaian side.

Menzo’s confidence is based largely on Danlad’s experience, which includes being part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although still young, Danlad has already played at a major international tournament and has gained regular club football away from Kotoko.

Menzo also brings personal knowledge of the goalkeeper’s position to the assessment. The former goalkeeper considers that background useful when judging what Danlad needs to perform, and said the player’s level during training has strengthened the club’s decision to bring him back.

Danlad made more than 55 appearances for Ethiopian Coffee SC and recorded 28 clean sheets during his time in Ethiopia. That run gave him sustained exposure to senior football before his return to Kotoko.

His earlier connection with the club is another factor expected to ease the transition. Danlad first joined Kotoko in 2016 and already understands the club’s setting, demands and expectations, having previously been part of its squad.

He made his Premier League debut during Kotoko’s title-winning 2021/22 campaign. Menzo now views that previous experience, combined with Danlad’s international and Ethiopian spells, as valuable to the competitive squad Kotoko are building.