Still hogging the limelight in the Ghanaian domestic league with his fine goalscoring form, Emmanuel Baffour insists, he still has lots to learn.
The striker has been at his best and shot to prominence after scoring 9 goals in 10 games in the Glo Premier League. A budding prospect, he has established himself as the competition’s first-choice striker, judging by his form.
However, he is quick to play down expectations. Rather, he chooses to highlight the contributions of his New Edubiase teammates.
“Hard work in training and on the field backed by my determination to score a goal in each match has helped me so far.
“If I don’t score in a match, I make sure I make amends in the next game by scoring and helping the team to win," Baffour told www.ghanafa.org ahead of his team's evening training session on Thursday in Bekwai.
Though he is enjoying a seamless run, it appears to be coming with lots of responsibilities as the pressure weighs on him having seen Edubaise slip out of the top four.
“We all play well. The system here [Edubiase] allows every player to score. But my role has proved successful and I have scored the most goals.”
“The goal king is my target. I don’t know if I am under pressure. Many did not know me in the league. But now, they do. Defenders are now aware of my goals but it doesn’t put pressure on me. I try to vary my style. I think it rather makes me aware of the challenges and the need to deliver and be consistent," he said with much confidence.
Baffour believes he is finally turning the corner after a slow start in his career with Liberty Professionals where he played a few games before moving to Tema Youth.
“I did well in my time in Liberty though I did not get enough playing time. But at Tema Youth, I had enough games, played well and scored. I guess my form at Tema Youth might have prompted Edubiase to sign me,” he said.
Next year's Africa Nations Cup final could see Ghana hold aloof the title for the fifth time in the competition’s history, and for the domestic league’s leading scorer, any player would relish the opportunity to be part of the Black Stars squad.
The 22-year-old admits it would be an honour to be part of the team to compete for the Nations Cup title at a time when his career is blossoming with premier league side, New Edubiase.
With many Ghana internationals itching ahead of next week’s – December 15 – squad announcement by Goran Stevanovic in Accra, the striker is keeping his calm aware that he stands to be a part of the team or watch on the competition on TV.
“I know the squad would be named next week. People have talked about it. In Ghana once you are on the high, your name gets mentioned every time and people talk up your credentials for a call up into national team.”
"Yes, I would love to play for the Black Stars at the Nations Cup," Baffour told www.ghanafa.org.
"It would be an exciting moment because every player dreams of playing for the national team no matter the competition.
"But we have to be realistic about the situation. There team has other players who have been playing well. Everyone would have to respect the coaches decision. If I get the call,” he sighs and continues: “I would thank God and be very happy. It would be a proud moment.”
Apart from his revealed desire to play for Ghana at the 2012 Africa Nations Cup, Baffour is confident he would have a chance with the national team sometime soon if he continues to play well.
“No matter what happens, I would have to concentrate of my career. I want to continue playing well and improve. The Black Stars would be there and we would all have our times," he said.
"The coaches see us every time. If I continue playing well, there would be a chance for me. That should be my focus."