Bernard Don Bortey, Hearts of Oak’s legend, has revealed that his glorious playing career is over and that he is ready to become a coach.
During his nine-year period with the Hearts of Oak club Don Bortey was a cult hero for the club.
Having established himself as a household name in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Maverick forward Don Bortey failed to replicate that success in abroad.
Don Bortey, who is the 37 years old, has expressed some regrets about his playing career but insisted it will guide him in his quest to work from the dugout.
“I’m not God. Maybe where I reached was the stage God wanted me to finish it for someone to come and continue. I have pain in me but it’s past,” the former winger added.
“I have to put it behind me because I have three kids who are all playing football, so I have to focus on pushing them. I could not do it but maybe they can do it for me.
“I want to be a coach now. I’ve retired. I was not 100 per cent sure but I have done it.
“I’m still playing football but not competitively. I don’t want to play any more competitive leagues like the Ghana Premier League (GPL) because I have made the name already.”
“Everybody knows my name in Ghana football. So I have to leave for the young ones to take over. Now, I’m a coach. I’m not a footballer anymore. I’ve retired.”
Don Bortey played for Al Wasl FC of the United Arab Emirates, Bnei Sakhnin of Israel, Vietnamese side CLB Song Lam and The Panthers of Equatorial Guinea in a series of brief, unsuccessful stints.
He won four league titles with Hearts of Oak as well as the CAF Super Cup and the Confederation Cup in 2001 and 2004.
Don Bortey also clinched the Ghana Premier League goal-king in 2002.
He made over 20 appearances for Ghana’s senior national team.
