Joachim Adukor in Gefle training

By Ameenu Shardow

Midfielder Joachim Adukor aims to win a regular starting spot in the Gefle IF side with the start of the Swedish league this weekend.

The 19-year-old joined Gavle-based side at the middle of last campaign where he struggled to get games under his belt.

He his however confident of his first team prospects this season haven undertaken a full pre-season training with his team in Cyprus.

“It was a fantastic pre-season,” Adukor said. “It was my first pre-season abroad and I had the chance to experience new things, new atmosphere and places.

“We were on a training-camp in Cyprus; I really worked hard and learned many things.

“My first objective is to establish myself in the first-team. I am very young and I have been working hard to achieve that.

“The squad is very settled, the coach knows his players very well. It isn’t easy and I must keep working hard. I believe I can take my chances.”

Gefle IF start the campaign away at Swedish giants Malmo, who finished in fourth-place last campaign and Adukor is staying positive about his team’s chances of a victory.

“It is a very tough start,” the young central-midfielder continued.

“Going away from home will really be difficult and a club like Malmo are very strong.

“But, we are well prepared and are looking forward to tomorrow. We are aiming for a top-eight finish this year.”