Asante Kotoko midfielder Michael Helegbe says his teammates are battle-hardened for Sunday’s Ghana Premier League derby against Hearts of Oak.
The former Ghana U23 skipper scored two goals as the Porcupine Warriors beat second-tier side Eleven Wise 2-1 to advance to the semi-final of the MTN Ghana FA Cup.
“The determination and spirited performance put up by the team shows the mentality we have now as we prepare for Hearts of Oak,” Helegbe told the club’s official newspaper.
“We normally play practice matches to get our strategies right before our big games. I can say that Eleven Wise provided the right tonic to get us in the right mood for our match on Sunday.
“They tested us in all departments of the game. Our resolve and commitment to winning for our fans was amply displayed.”
Kotoko are in third place on the Ghana Premier League table and one point behind the joint leaders Medeama and Berekum Chelsea.
Hearts are nine points behind their guests in ninth position.
Helegbe hopes their form this season will count at the Accra Sports Stadium where they have not lost a match since 2010.
“We are placed better on the league than them. We are also determined to have a different script written this year,” he added.
“We will be the better side and the eventual winners on the day. Our determination is high. Nothing would be allowed to stop us.”
