Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori has taken to Instagram to celebrate the MTN8 Cup triumph amidst the heartbreak of missing out on the FIFA World Cup.
Ofori would have been the only DStv Premiership star at the FIFA World Cup, which roars to life in Qatar on Sunday when the host nation takes on Ecuador.
However, Ghana national team coach Atta Oddo had to drop him after receiving a medical report that he would not be fit for the global soccer showpiece.
Ofori picked up an injury during Pirates’ tie against Golden Arrows and had to sit it out for several games, including the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs and the MTN8 semifinal clash versus Mamelodi Sundowns.
He returned in the MTN 8 final against AmaZulu, which the Buccaneers won 1-0. The Black Stars international is thought to have aggravated the injury in that encounter.
OFORI GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT
In his Instagram post, Ofori acknowledged his ups and downs this year and expressed gratitude to his friends and loved ones for their support during these times.
“Sometimes you’ve got to work like your life is a bet. It’s an honour to have such a script in my life’s journey and, most importantly, having the right people and team in my corner,” said Ofori.
“It’s been a year full of ups and downs, but surely the Lord is always faithful to his loyal servants.”
He further expressed his gratitude to the Pirates family and the technical team in the same post.
“It’s an honour to be part of such a milestone with the greatest team in the world. Thanks to the Orlando Pirates family for always making work feel much easier. To the technical team, thanks for entrusting me to lead such a magnificent army to victory.”
Ofori will miss out on a second consecutive tournament with Ghana after missing out on AFCON earlier this year due to an injury.
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