Sports News of Friday, 17 April 2020

Source: GNA

Former Hearts striker now Building Engineer in USA

Former Hearts of Oak striker, Alfred Nii Larbi Darku Former Hearts of Oak striker, Alfred Nii Larbi Darku

Alfred Nii Larbi Darku, former striker of Accra Hearts of Oak is now a Commercial and Resident Building Engineer in Virginia, United States of America (USA).

Nii Larbi Darku, who stopped playing for Hearts in 2007 after a league title, FA Cup and Continental title in 2005, left for the USA in 2007.

This was after he had signed a ten-month contract with the Indian side Viva Kalera after signing a ten-month contract.

However, this did not materialise since his travelling documents together with his wife and children were ready for them to relocate to the USA.

The aggressive striker who also played for Okwahu United and Liberty Professionals has vivid memories of his days in Okwahu United, when he led them to beat Asante Kotoko by a lone goal in the premier league in 2001. The first defeat of Kotoko in the league.

He also remembers a lone goal at the Accra Sports Stadium against Accra Hearts of Oak, after receiving an assist from former Black Stars player John Painstil, whilst playing for Liberty Processionals.

Again, it was a time Hearts of Oak had never tasted a defeat in the premiership. Coincidentally, he joined Hearts later and was part of the 2005 squad that won the Confederations Cup competition, when Hearts defeated Kotoko on penalties to win the trophy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

He told the GNA Sports that, he engages in the veteran’s league in the USA, a league reserved for players who are 35 and beyond.

According to Nii Larbi Darku he plays in the league with veterans like Olloquaye Commodore (Hearts), Kofi Deblah (Ashgold) and Nana Arhin Duah (Kotoko).