Kwame Peprah has made a stunning return for Kerala Blasters FC this season. The Ghanaian forward kicked off their campaign with a spectacular hat-trick against Mumbai City FC in their Durand Cup opener and added an assist against Punjab FC in the following fixture.

Peprah's previous season with Kerala Blasters FC was marred by a slow start and an unfortunate injury. After initially struggling to find his rhythm, he was sidelined with a groin injury during the Kalinga Super Cup, which kept him out for the latter half of the Indian Super League (ISL) season.

This injury came at a time when the Blasters were already grappling with multiple other injury crises.

Now back and firing on all cylinders, Peprah is keen to build on his promising start and maintain his form throughout the Durand Cup and into the ISL.

“It's a great feeling to be back on the field because it's not easy to be off the field. I know what I want to do for the club, and I'm very excited to do whatever I can to help the club,” Peprah said in an interview with the Kerala Blasters FC media team.

💬 “So far as we're all in one uniform, I think we are one big family!”

🔉Words from Kwame we all can identify with 💛 #KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/1NrQM3JNu5

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) August 6, 2024

Kerala Blasters FC enjoyed a productive preseason tour in Thailand, preparing for the Durand Cup under a revamped coaching staff and with several new faces in the squad. The club has seen the departure of key players like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Marko Leskovic, and Jeakson Singh. Nevertheless, they’ve strengthened their roster with significant signings, including Noah Sadaoui and Alexandre Coeff.

“Ever since I joined this club, it hasn’t mattered who goes out or who comes in. As long as we are in this uniform, we are one big family. During the pre-season in Thailand, everything has been going well with both new and old players,” he said.

The 23-year-old shed light on the preseason tour, reflecting on the three-week preparatory camp and his adaptation to the new system. He shares how the tour has been instrumental in familiarizing the squad with new tactics and integrating the new players into the team.

“The intensity is increasing every day. It's a new environment with a new coaching staff, but as a professional player, I’m ready to adapt to any system. So far, everything is going well for me, and I must say this pre-season has been very, very good,” stated Peprah.

Kerala Blasters FC have demonstrated consistency in the league by reaching the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Their best performance came in the 2021-22 season when they were runners-up in the ISL Cup, narrowly losing to Hyderabad FC in a penalty shootout.

This season, the Blasters are more determined than ever to take the next step, with players like Peprah fully committed to helping the club secure its first-ever silverware.

“We are all looking forward to grabbing a title this season. In any competition we participate in, we aim to secure the title or reach the finals. Personally, I want to contribute more to the club and help it achieve its goals for this season,” he commented.

The road to recovery from his injury was fraught with difficulties for the forward. He highlighted the crucial role of the medical team and club management in assisting him during this period.

"I want to thank all the medical staff, the club management, and everyone who was involved in my recovery and surgery. I must say it wasn't an easy journey, but day in and day out, ever since I had the surgery, there hasn't been a single day when the medical staff or the management didn't call me to check up on me," Peprah revealed.

Kerala Blasters FC fans have always stood by the team through thick and thin, regardless of the results. Peprah has expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support the fans have shown and hopes they will continue their backing in the new season. He and the rest of the club aim to achieve something significant for everyone involved.

“Everyone who watches the Indian Super League or Indian football knows that Kerala Blasters have one of the biggest fan bases in India and they have the Manjappada, and the Kerala Blasters Army, many groups of Kerala Blasters fans.

“Last season, when we were down in a game, they were the 12th man, waking us up, giving us encouragement, and cheering us on to come back and win the game. A very big thank you to them, and I hope they continue to support us this season. I know that whenever we win, they are happy, and we are going to do everything possible to make them happy this season,” Peprah signed off.

Watch the full interview here: