Don Bortey aims to play at 2010 World Cup

Kumasi, Sept. 12, GNA -A leading striker of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, Bernard Don Bortey, has expressed optimism of playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup competition in South Africa.

Don Bortey indicated that in order for him to achieve his objective he has stepped up his training and urged sympathizers of Hearts and his fans to rally solidly behind him as he revives his career to get a call up to the Senior National Team, the Black Stars for the World Cup. The striker was interacting with members of the Chapter Nine Supporters Union of Hearts at the Asem Park in Kumasi.

The player began his career on a brighter note, featuring for the Under-17 National Team, the Black Starlets in New Zealand in the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Championship in which the team placed third. Don Bortey, however, after the feat has since seen his football career see a nose dive and has been struggling to reach his peak like his compatriot, Michael Essien of Chelsea fame.

He has over the years been involved in a lot of controversies on and off the field at the local and international levels that has dipped his form considerably.

The Hearts of Oak player took a swipe at the media for "their constant negative reportage about him", saying this had dented his hard-won reputation as a player.

Don Bortey has so far netted three goals in four matches of the on-going MTN GHALCA Top Four tournament and had also been instrumental in the Club's recent victories.

He said he was optimistic that Hearts would eventually carry the Top Four Trophy as morale in camp was very high.