I'm not a bad keeper - Ahmed

Times: Ahmed, how is life in Swaziland?

Ahmed: I am okay, save for what has been said in the media about my performance.

Times: Hold on a little bit on that one; let’s first hear how you came to Swaziland?

Ahmed: I was in Ghana in the books of Liberty United where I was loaned out by King Fias F.C. Then my agent Mude Chambers called me to come to Manzini Wanderers. And the move was meant to keep me fit for a bigger offer apparently in Turkey or back home in Ghana.

Times: But then you ended up signing for Swallows?

Ahmed: My arrival here coincided with internal problems at Wanderers, hence my agent secured an offer for me at Mbabane Swallows, where when I arrived I just fell in love with the whole set up in the team.

Times: Let us talk about the incidents; starting with the derby game, where you complained about the gloves time and again?

Ahmed: The team is aware that the gloves I was using on the day were not good enough. I had told them to show me the gloves in camp but I only saw them at the dressing rooms. There was nothing I could do because they were just cheap staff, which was not good enough. The one I was using in Ghana are already worn out due to the training ground we are using.

Times: Is that the reason why you just fisted all aerial balls coming your way?

Ahmed: That was the safest way to deal with the ball, especially because it was raining.

Times: But on Friday against Umbelebele, there was no rain, but still your handling was pathetic so to say?

Ahmed: I take full blame for the third and fourth goal. I was equally ashamed of the whole performance, however, it should be noted that even the whole team was not functioning well. If I were to be honest with you, we lost the match at training.

Times: What do you mean?

Ahmed: The way we prepared against Umbelebele was a far cry to the manner in which the preparation for the derby match was executed. The preparation, if I were to rate it against the derby, it was about 15 percent. We didn’t even go to camp; we only had supper at 6pm an hour before kick off.

Times: Take us through all the four goals?

Ahmed: The first one, the defence allowed a striker to come from behind and shoot at goal. I could do nothing. Also in the second one, there was poor marking, and even those who accuse me did not mention those two goals, yet they were crucial in the match because they demoralized the whole team. Then on the third goal, I was at fault even though once again the ball was hit in the face of my defenders, I lost concentration. Because before it was scored a team mate had approached me and told me that something was going to injure me, I was confused.

Times: Could that be attributed to the reason you conceded the fourth goal via an unacceptable error?

Ahmed: To be honest the statement about being injured affected my concentration, and for the fourth goal, I can’t even believe it went in. It was my worst performance in a football match ever. I have not conceded more than two goals in a game since I started playing football.

Times: The supporters were angry, thereafter and even bayed for your blood. Weren’t you scared?

Ahmed: Like I have said I couldn’t believe it myself. One female supporter even came to the team bus looking for me and when she asked me what happened I just said ‘I was sorry it won’t happen again. She understood.

Times: Has anyone from the team management said anything to you after Friday’s match?

Ahmed: There is nothing that has been said except that the secretary Sibusiso told me to take it easy. That made me feel welcome, but I would not be part of the team tonght (last night) in the deciding match, because I am still recovering.

Times: Thank you sir, at least you have cleared your name.

Ahmed: I wish I have my friend. I have videos here of my past performance I am willing to show it to you guys.