Asante Kotoko midfielder Baba 'John' Mahama says he is battle ready as they prepare to welcome Liberty Professionals on opening day of the 2017 Ghana Premier League season.

The 19-year-old joined the Porcupine Warriors in a three-year deal a fortnight ago and has been handed the No.10 shirt.

The 2017 season will finally kick off on February 11 after several postponements due to litigation among clubs and the participation of the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

“Liberty won't be an easy encounter for us on opening day but we will definitely defeat them to have a better start to the new campaign," Mahama told Goal.

"I am prepared to make my debut against them and hope to have a good game as well if I start or come in as a substitute. I am aware that a large section of the supporters will come to watch me for the first time so I will do my best to prove my worth. We want to win the league title this season so we must begin on a high note."

He added: "From the Kotoko's past records against Liberty, they have been a bogey side to us but some of their influential players like Latif Blessing, who won the goal king last season, has left so it is an advantage for us. They are now trying to build a new side unlike us who have the core of team."

Kotoko picked only six points from their first seven games last season, leading to the sacking of coach David Duncan but they regained their lost form in second half of the campaign to finish fifth.