Malachi Boateng, a midfielder for Hearts, has played in Scottish football for three seasons, but he is certain that Sunday’s Edinburgh derby will rank among the most important games he has watched.
Before agreeing to a permanent three-year contract with Hearts this summer, the Crystal Palace academy graduate played two seasons on loan at Queen’s Park and Dundee. The 22-year-old has shown well in a holding role and has started the two games that new head coach Neil Critchley has officiated. On Sunday noon, he is scheduled to play against Hibs.
After putting up a strong performance in Thursday night’s 2-0 Europa Conference League victory over Omonoia, Boateng declared, “The derby will be a frantic game, everyone knows what it means.” “I am so excited for it; it will be the biggest derby I have ever participated in.”
“Every game is a derby in London when you’re a young player, but this is different. It will be the largest crowd I have ever performed in. Since it’s the first game of the season and neither team is performing to our standards, we know what to anticipate.
“We can all see how crucial it is. Even though I’m from London, I understand its significance and what it means to the club and its supporters.
However, from a family standpoint, Boateng will be travelling alone because his brother Hiram, who plays for Mansfield, and parents will not be able to travel north to see him.
“My family isn’t coming up because they have work on Monday,” Boateng disclosed. “My brother, who plays for Mansfield, will also be recuperating from his game on Saturday.
“My parents are very supportive of both of us and alternate between the two of us.” They alternate between the two; my dad prefers to watch football, but they don’t separate to watch each of us separately!
“They have so far had a great time travelling to Edinburgh, and they plan to arrange for a few more to see me perform. They will be watching it from home, though, as they are unable to travel this weekend.
Without a doubt, Boateng will prepare a performance for his television viewers.
