He is probably one of the most unlikely of heroes around, yet a true hero he has become for Pompey nevertheless.
This man being Aaron Mokoena.
When we signed the guy last summer to say we were ‘unhappy’ or ‘disappointed’ would have been an understatement – I, personally, was livid and made this quite clear. Yet, to be fair, when I stopped and thought about it with some reflection I thought he was not ‘all bad,’ as he was, and still is, the South African captain and has been for sometime so the guy had something about him.
I think that Moko, I prefer this to ‘The Axe’ as he is known, himself would be one of the first to admit that when it comes to ‘technical footballing ability’ this is not exactly his strength. Getting the ball on the deck and knocking it around is not his forte, 9/10 times he will give the ball away if he is given too much time to think and if not given enough can panic and get himself into trouble. His strength is getting his body in the way, putting this on the line and putting the boot, or head, in where it can hurt and other would not – he ‘breaks up’ the play and is an enforcer.
The thing that I have ALWAYS liked about him from the start of the season has been his undoubted commitment and dedication, to the club, the shirt and the fans, along with his never say die attitude. It has been evident how much he has played for the shirt and the club, a club that he does want to be a part of, all season and to be fair whilst he might not be a ‘shouting leader’ as such he does have these leadership qualities to make him good captain material all in all.
I have cursed his name, called him this, that and the other and wanted him taken off at time and been left perplexed that he was not on occasions but I have never liked the jeers he has been given when coming on or the cheers when coming off, not to mention the calls for him to be sent off from his OWN fans!
The partnership that he has struck up with Rocha John Rocha in the heart of the defence might, as The News put it, been ‘accidental’ but it has been fantastic. They were awesome against Blackburn, even more so against Spurs in the semi final – Rocha John Rocha is another that is starting to excel.
Moko is a bloody awful footballer but he is one of us and I will be happy to have him around next season, and most importantly of all I am sure that he WILL want to be around next season.
To be fair most of our squad are, and on the whole have been, ‘heroes’ this season but speaking of another who has ‘defied the odd’ to win the crowd over this moment cannot pass without Hayden Mullins getting a mention.
He is turning into a half decent player for us with it seemingly found that full back, be that left or right back, is his best position so like Moko, and Rocha John Rocha, I would be happy to have Mullins around next season.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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