Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Odoom has categorically denied ever accepting a bribe or engaging in match-fixing during his career.
In an interview with Kwame Adinkrah on Pure 95.7 FM, Odoom emphasized that his commitment to fair play was unwavering throughout his playing days.
“I have never taken a bribe in my life. No one has ever approached me to throw a match, and even if they did, I would never accept it. I played football with passion, discipline, and a love for the game,” he stated firmly as quoted by Kumasi Mail.
While Odoom maintained that he never compromised a match, he admitted that some tactical miscalculations led to defeats in his career.
He specifically recalled a painful moment when he conceded a crucial goal from Hearts of Oak striker Shamo Quaye.
“As a goalkeeper, you sometimes make mistakes that cost your team. One of my most unforgettable moments was a goal from Shamo Quaye. It wasn’t intentional; it was a tactical error on my part, and it cost us the game,” he admitted.
Despite such setbacks, Odoom stressed that his performances were always driven by a genuine desire to win, not by external influences.
Football in Ghana has long been associated with spiritual practices, often referred to as ‘juju’.
However, Odoom dismissed any claims that he personally used supernatural means to influence his performance.
“I never engaged in ‘juju’ throughout my career. I only pray to God and l had an uncle who also prayed for me. I only believed in hard work, training, and luck to win matches,” he stated.
However, he made a notable revelation about the Black Stars, stating that the Ghana national team had a spiritual woman who was part of their setup and played a role in their victories.
“The Black Stars had a spiritual woman who assisted the team in various ways. I cannot speak to the details, but she was involved in helping us prepare for games,” he disclosed.
The former Kotoko goalkeeper urged young footballers to prioritize hard work, professionalism, and dedication, instead of seeking shortcuts through bribery or spiritual influences.
“Football is a game of discipline and commitment. If you work hard and stay true to the game, success will come naturally. We must protect the integrity of Ghanaian football,” he said.
When asked if he will take up the Black Stars as a head coach, he responded by saying ‘ l can assist as goalkeepers trainer but not the main job.’
