Kotoko Players Plead For Forgiveness

Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender, Ahmed Adams has, on behalf of the players, pleaded for forgiveness from fans of the club for their failure, in not being able to win the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League trophy nor securing a top four spot.

Ahmed Adams

Kotoko finished the league in fifth position, which is considered as a disappointment to many of its fans, especially after being in pole position to win the league at a point in the season.

The 23-year-old who played a crucial role in Kotoko’s setup, admitted the failure on the side of his playing mates.

Much was expected of them in the just-ended season after recording a splendid preseason.

He said: “It’s very painful, not being able to enter into the top four spot.

“I plead with the fans to forgive us after a very poor showing in this year’s league. Nonetheless, we promise them a better season next year and, we will definitely not let them them down.”

Adams also reiterated the need for continuous support from their fans as they represent the biggest shareholders of the club and their interest is very paramount to the playing body.

Kotoko Players Plead For Forgiveness

This Hearts Player Is The Toughest - Kotoko Defender

Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender, Ahmed Adams, has named Accra Hearts of Oak striker, Cosmos Dauda, as the toughest striker he came across in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season.

Ahmed Adams in action for Kotoko against bitter rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak

The 23-year-old was a significant player for Kotoko in the just-ended GPL, even though injury ruled him out of action in the latter stages of the season.

Adams expressed his admiration for Hearts top marksman who scored eight goals in last season’s campaign for Hearts to help them secure a spot in the top four.

He said: “Cosmos Dauda was one of the strikers that tormented me in this year’s league.

“I remember when we played Hearts at the Accra Sports Stadium, he was on top of his game and made things very difficult for me, he is a very good player”, he told Ashh Fm.

Adams was voted the 2014/15 Ghana Premier League Player of the Year by sports fans.

This Hearts Player Is The Toughest - Kotoko Defender

Kotoko Coach To Reunite With Liverpool"s Klopp

Asante Kotoko head coach, Michael Osei, has hinted at a possible reunion with Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp as he envisions an improvement in his technical knowledge of the game ahead of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League.

Osei, who has been yearning for a substantive contract from management as head coach of the club, will be looking forward to build on his coaching abilities with his former Mainz 05 teammate, Jurgen Klopp.

He said: “The end of the GPL season certainly avails the opportunity for me to improve my knowledge, and  I’m working on a possible attachment with Liverpool FC.

“I hope all necessary arrangement would be put in place to facilitate my attachment with the club.”

The Kotoko trainer has been to Germany for various attachment courses, where he teamed with other developing coaches to upgrade their technical and tactical knowledge of the game.

 

Kotoko Coach To Reunite With Liverpool"s Klopp

Probe: Should Michael Osei Continue As Kotoko Manager?

Micheal Osei, in April, was named as interim coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko to replace then head coach, David Duncan who had been told to ‘step aside’, following the club’s poor start to the season.

His campaign for Kotoko has obviously been marred by all sorts of challenges that only made the club place fifth in the just-ended Ghana Premier League.

The club’s final position on the log will largely be considered ‘good’, especially after Kotoko is on record to have struggled from the bottom of the league table in the early stages of the season.

Osei, a former player himself, has won the league as a player in 1991 and 1992 and, as an assistant coach of Kotoko in the 2013/14 season. He certainly needs no introduction to the Kotoko fraternity, but does his mere familiarity with the club qualify him to be appointed as its substantive coach ahead of the 2016/17 season?

Most Kotoko faithfuls believe Osei has the credentials to make Kotoko redeem itself as one of the African greats, in terms of football.

Recently, Osei declared his readiness to step in as the substantive coach as he believes he is endowed with the requisite knowledge in football to lead Kotoko to another spell of greatness.

Notwithstanding that, some football enthusiasts have criticized his management style to be the rigid one, especially in terms of how he handles his players in order to get the best out of them and also his boldness in making decisions when it matters most, both on and off the field of play.

A living proof of this suspicion is his relationship with Kotoko defender, Samuel Kyere, who said on national radio that Osei disliked him because of his strong relationship with former coach, David Duncan which led to his demotion to the second team of the club.

So the question is; How many more players have issues with the coach but cannot say it for fear of suffering his wrath?

Malik Jabir’s presence around the Kotoko team also raises doubts as to whether Osei will be given a full mandate by management.

But Kotoko will certainly have a new look next season as the mandate of the current board has expired.

Probe: Should Michael Osei Continue As Kotoko Manager?

Kyere Sure of Kotoko-AshGold "Convenience Game"

Kotoko defender, Samuel Kyere has vehemently made a strong allegation about Kotoko’s 5-3 defeat against AshantiGold SC in week 28 of the Ghana Premier League.

The player, who was demoted to the second team by head coach, Micheal Osei, after showing gross insubordination, has revealed publicly, the various maneuverings that took place between the  coach, team captain and club chairman .

Kotoko led by 2-1 by the close of half time. But by a sudden change of happenings in the match, Kotoko lost the match by 5-3, the result aided AshGold to escape relegation.

Kyere has alleged the game could be a “fixed-match”.

“It is unbelievable for a team like Kotoko to take a two-goal lead and sit back and lose 5-3 at the end of the game,” Kyere said.

“After the first half, the coach spoke to the captain and after that, the game changed.

“For me, I suspect something fishy because everything changed after the first half. And even the coach decided to bench some players.”

Not long ago, New Ebubiase player, Prince Antwi, alleged that they were told to play it soft against Wa All Stars in week 26 of the GPL in a game they eventually lost.

Kyere Sure of Kotoko-AshGold "Convenience Game"

Osei Debunks Duncan Feud Claims

Interim Coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Michael Osei has stressed that he holds no grudge against David Duncan.

David Duncan was sidelined as the head coach of the club after they lost some critical points in the early part of the first round in the league, and Michael Osei was given the nod to turn their fortunes around, prompting allegations that Michael Osei was the chief architect who ensured things didn’t work out for his head coach.

However, Osei refuted the claims as he declared that there is no bad blood between him and his former boss.

“I never wished bad luck for David Duncan. I didnt like it when he was sacked but I had no control over it,” Michael said on Boss FM.

“I’ve never had any problem with him. I still talk to him day-in day-out.”

Asante Kotoko recovered from their early season relapse to finish in 5th position.

Osei Debunks Duncan Feud Claims

Rugby President Reluctant On Kotoko Return

Herbert Mensah has reaffirmed his love for Asante Kotoko, but was coy on whether he may want another shot at being at the helm of affairs at the club.

Herbert was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer by the then life patron of Kotoko, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II in 1999 to restore the success of earlier glorious days by implementing a 5-year-plan that included sponsorships and introduction of professional training facilities.

However, after failing to achieve the goals set by the club’s spiritual leader, Herbert vacated his position in 2003 and later became involved in the running of the club’s regional rivals, AshGold SC.

And in an exclusive interview with Happy FM’s Anopa Bosuo sports, the man once described by renowned journalist and President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Kwabena Yeboah, as “the greatest leader he has ever seen at the club due to his endeavor on and off the field” was reluctant in saying if he will welcome the idea of returning to the fold of the Porcupine Warriors.

“I love that club to bits and will always do, but I think I wouldn’t want to answer the question of me returning to the club,” he said.

“If you love Kotoko or Hearts, when things are not going as you would like, you definitely voice out your frustration. I remember before the club’s game against Hearts of Oak in Accra, I called some of the board members and also spoke to the players as well to enliven them, because by then, their morale was down after so many losses,” Herbert disclosed.

“I think I’m the only former chairman of the club who meets with Otumfuo on regular basis and it’s a privilege.

“I try to tell former leaders of the club to desist from negative utterances after their departure from the club because what would you do if you are called back to serve the club again, what would you do?

“I think that’s the mutual respect I share with Nana today, and there’s nothing Otumfuo tells me that I can’t do. I know the challenge now is to move the club forward, but I’m happy with what I do now and therefore I can’t answer to that.”

Herbert Mensah currently serves as president of the Ghana Rugby Association.

Rugby President Reluctant On Kotoko Return

GPL: Kotoko Defender Heaps Praise On League

Kumasi Asante Kotoko stalwart defender, Ahmed Adams has shared kind words about the Ghana Premier league with three rounds of fixtures to be honoured.

The imposing central defender dubbed the domestic championship as ‘super and very competitive’ to debunk the notion of the league’s ‘unattractiveness’ opined by many.

The former Berekum Chelsea defender denied claims suggesting the league’s players are of poor quality and pleaded with the Ghanaian media to continue to market the league to the outside world.

Ahmed Dauda commended the home-based media for their immense role in marketing the league since the league cannot survive without the press.

Speaking on the role of the media to the growth and general appeal of the league, the talented central defender singled out the Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak record breaking attendance in Accra as a testimony.

“As compared to other leagues around, the Ghana Premier league is simply super and very very competitive.

“Some people are trying to kill the soul of Ghana football, otherwise, the league is super.

“The media have been superb with their job because without them, nobody will know what is going on in the league.

“The record attendance during our clash with Accra Hearts of Oak is a testimony of the role played by the media.

“They make it easy to be accessed either on radio, newspapers or the Internet”, Ahmed Adams briefed Sports Crusader.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko trails league leaders, Wa All Stars, by six points with 3 matches to play.

GPL: Kotoko Defender Heaps Praise On League

Kotoko Sets Up Fund For Its Heroes

Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC, has set up a fund from which it [Kotoko] intends to insure the welfare of its old players, Mr. Paul Adu-Gyamfi, the Board Chairman, announced yesterday at the club’s 81st anniversary.

Contributions to the fund would be extracted from a percentage of gate proceeds, player transfers and donations.

Mr. Adu-Gyamfi expressed his disgust at the miserable lives some of the old players were living and spoke of the need for things to change so as to bring some comfort to them.

He indicated that as trailblazers, they worked to bring honour to the club and deserved to be rewarded for the hardwork, dedication and loyalty that had made Kotoko a dominant force in Africa.

He further rallied all stakeholders to commit conscious efforts to return Kotoko to its once fearsome, all-conquering side status.

Established in 1935, Kotoko, arguably Ghana’s most successful club, has won the CAF Champions League twice: 1970 and 1983, and five-time runners-up: 1967, 1971, 1973, 1982 and 1993.

Kotoko has won Ghana’s league 24 times, as well as, emerged the FA Cup champions on eight occasions and, was named as the most successful African club of the 20th century in 2010.

Kotoko Sets Up Fund For Its Heroes

Kotoko Midfielder Is My Mentor - Quao

Kumasi Asante Kotoko centre-back, Evans Quao, has identified club mate and legend, Stephen ‘Tico Tico’ Oduro as his idol.

Oduro has spent his entire playing career with the Porcupine Warriors and has won premier league and FA Cup honours with the Kumasi-based side, and this longevity is what Quao is craving.

Veteran defender, Quao, joined Kotoko from Medeama SC in a two-year-deal during the 2015/16 transfer window and hopes to be given a new deal as the season comes to a close, with four games left to play.

Kotoko’s legend and veteran midfielder, Stephen Oduro

“A senior and well-experienced player as Stephen Oduro is rare to have around in a team, and I am honoured to play with him.

“I wish to stay at Kotoko for a longer period just like he has. With the season still ongoing, I hope to be served a new deal as I have no idea leaving the club.”

Quao will hope to keep his place when Kotoko host Berekum Chelsea after holding relegation-threatened Sekondi Hasaacas to a one-all drawn match.

Kotoko Midfielder Is My Mentor - Quao

I Don"t Care About Kotoko - Kufuor

Former Ghana Black Stars centre-back, Samuel Osei Kufuor, reveals he has gotten over the Kumasi Asante Kotoko disappointment and is now focused on the future but nothing else.

The Bayern Munich great, was in the spotlight with a near-move into an administrative position at Kotoko – record Ghana Premier League champions – as a replacement for Opoku Nti [the current General manager].

Kufuor claimed after meeting with the life patron of the club, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, he was going to get the position but an official statement from the royal house denounced such assurance.

And Kufuor, speaking for the first time on the issue to Accra-based Citi FM said; “Football is football and if it [the position] presents itself again, why not? I will.

“I have quit football [in terms of playing] and have moved on with the disappointment.

“I have children to raise and people who look up to me as well and my employees to satisfy too, and that makes me keep focus on the future than the past. I don’t care about the past and it remains as such.”

I Don"t Care About Kotoko - Kufuor

Kotoko Secret Revealed!

Kumasi Asante Kotoko interim head coach, Michael Osei, has revealed that determination was a key element in his side’s hard-fought away win over Liberty Professionals.

The record Ghana premier league champions have had a play-pause 2015/16 season and, after winning by a slim margin against Dreams FC in their last game, Osei’s side’s recent convincing victory over Liberty has given the club and fans a glimmer of hope in the bid to reclaim the trophy.

And Osei, a former player of the club, in his post-match presser, attributed their win to hard work and determination from the technical team and the playing body.

“We knew ahead of kick-off it was going to be a tough but good game to play George Lamptey and his technically gifted team.

“We were determined to get a good result against them [Liberty] and the players played very well, dictating the pace of the game and that gave us a good result.”

Kotoko will be extra motivated when they face second-placed Aduana Stars on Wednesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, knowing a win and other favourable results elsewhere would see them as new league leaders.

Kotoko Secret Revealed!

Ablordey Assures Kotoko Fans Of Victory

Kumasi Asante Kotoko interim assistant coach, Godwin Ablordey has predicted a straight victory for his side against Liberty Professionals at the Carl Reindorf Park, Dansoman on Saturday.

The two sides met in the first round and it was the Porcupine Warriors who were victors by three goals to one. They (Kotoko) are focused on making it a league double over coach Geroge Lamptey and his men in their match week 24 clash.

Neither side would appreciate a draw, as the league draws to a close with 6 matches remaining after this weekend’s round of games.

Ablordey believes his side will amass all the three available points.

 

“We are confident of victory. We will surely win on Saturday” he told the club’s website.

 

“We played them in the first round. We have also watched videos of some of their recent matches. We have a fair idea of how they play at home. We know exactly what to do to beat them and we will do just that,” he added.

Ablordey Assures Kotoko Fans Of Victory

Jabir Assumes the Technical Director Position at Kotoko

Kumasi Asante Kotoko has appointed coach Malik Jabir as the new Club’s new technical advisor.

The former Black Star player will support current manager Michael Osei with his technical knowledge for the remaining eight matches in the 2015/2016 Ghana Premier league.

 

The experienced coach is expected to rejuvenate a declining Kotoko side who are yet to record a win in the second round

The coach is reported to have already started work as he has spotted at the training grounds of the Porcupine warriors.

Kotoko will host Dreams FC on Sunday in match week 23 of the GPL as they aim to get back to winning ways with Jabir and Osei on the bench.

 

Jabir Assumes the Technical Director Position at Kotoko

Kotoko is Spiritually Weak - Sarfo Gyamfi

Former Asante Kotoko midfielder Sarfo Gyamfi has deemed the current Kotoko team ‘spiritually weak’ and thinks things will go astray if they don’t seek spiritual upliftment as soon as possible.

 

The Black President, as he is being referred doesn’t believe in the assertion of Kotoko winning the 2015/2016 Ghana Premier league with this kind spiritless performance that encapsulate the current players at the club.

 

In an interview with Sunyani based radio station Success Fm, the former Black Stars player said ” truthfully and sincerely speaking it will be very difficult for Kotko to win the GPL title, because they are spiritual weak,they need to take proactive decision with regards to the spiritual upliftment so that it can make them rise again”.

 

Gyamfi also blasted the current squad of Kotoko whom he thought are not worthy of wearing a jersey of his beloved club.

 

Kotoko will host Dreams FC on Sunday in match week 23 of the GPL as they aim to get back to winning ways.

Kotoko is Spiritually Weak - Sarfo Gyamfi

Kotoko-Hollard Sponsorship Deal In Pictures

Hollard Insurance Ghana Limited has signed a five-year renewable sponsorship agreement with Ghana Premier League side Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

This deal was initiated by Big Cash Ghana Limited and Impilo Global Investment of South Africa, and would enable Kotoko to secure good training pitches, a Sports Academy, a Sports Hall and a Secretariat among others.

There would also be an exchange programme for coaches, players and the technical team, as well as an insurance cover for the playing body and management and also the recruitment of quality players.

These are some pictures on the signing of the deal in Accra:

Kotoko-Hollard Sponsorship Deal In Pictures

I Won"t Play for Kotoko Again!

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender, Christopher Bonney, has declared he will never play for the Kumasi side so long as Opoku Nti remains with the club.

The right-back, who now plays for Cape Coast Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs, was a key member of the Dwarfs team – and in fact, converted a penalty – that thrashed the record Ghana Premier League Champions by four goals to one.

Bonney returned to Kotoko after an unsuccessful trial with a Bulgarian club, but left the Porcupine warriors under strange circumstances.

Christopher Bonney had a torrid time during a short spell with Kumasi Asante Kotoko

After surprisingly celebrating wildly upon scoring against his former employers, the right-back said, “My performance and goal against Asante Kotoko was a payback for the bad treatment I received from the current management and I thank God for answering my prayers.”

“Until Opoku Nti leaves Asante Kotoko, I will never make a return to the club,” he added.

I Won"t Play for Kotoko Again!

MLS: Afful Nets Screamer For Columbus Crew

Black Stars full-back, Harrison Afful, opened his Columbus Crew scoring account with an absolute beauty in a 1-1 drawn game at home to Toronto FC.

The versatile defender latched onto a pearling from the right flank to register his first goal for the Yellow and Black as they continue to struggle in the division.

The Ghanaian import duly earned himself a MOTM award for his explosive performance on the night despite his side dropping points.

Afful joined the Yellows from Tunisian side, Esperance and, has since made himself a fundamental feature for the MLS side with 30 appearances to his name already.

The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko energetic full-back was named the best full back by fans of the MLS side and looks set to defend his title per his current form.

MLS: Afful Nets Screamer For Columbus Crew

Introducing Wa All Stars" "Engine", Saddick Alhassan

From the muddy pitches of Tamale to the finest and well graded, from the never-heard-of colts’ players to the celebrated players of the Ghana Premier League’s glamorous clubs, how well do you know Saddick Alhassan?

In a sport where goals, dazzling skills, hot transfers, inspire joy for the fans and corporate intitutions at large, it is common to see hard-tackling midfielders and robust defenders get overlooked to the benefit of their colleagues upfront.

Global stars like Claude Makelele, Luca Modric, Ngolo Kante, Michael Essien, Cesc Fabregas, etc., have enjoyed relatively less hype by the media despite their essential contribution to their respective teams’ success. Is Saddick Alhassan suffering from similar fate?

 

Born in Tamale some 20 years ago, young Saddick took to football as a hobby, like many young Ghanaians do, before earning a dream move to Kumasi Asante Kotoko as a reward for his outstanding performance among his peers.

 

The versatile central midfielder however failed to glitter in the famous Red mine before heading to Kwaimam for another stint with Dreams FC. 

 

Alhassan blossomed with the then third tier side to earn a move to the Wa Park at the start of the 2011/12 season.

The fast-developing midfielder feasted on his new deal with Wa All Stars to make a case for himself, with classy displays on weekly basis.

 

Having played 90 percent of the 2014/15 FCPPL season under Jimmy Kobblah at the Wa Park,  Alhassan has kept his consistency to replicate his form and influence into the ongoing season.

He is the only player in the ranks of the league leaders to have featured in all the league matches honoured so far- a feat many players will be proud of.

 

Combining power with fine passing skills, the shy  Saddick has been cruelly abandoned by the local media. 

The average Ghana Premier League fan can easily identify Latif  Blessing, Yahaya Mohammed, Bright  Adjei, Dauda Mohammed  and Ropapa Kwamina Mensah due to their tricks and flicks upfront.

How many can mention Edward Ebo Mends, Majeed Ashimeru, Atta Kofi Yeboah or the media sidelined Saddick Alhassan?

 

Introducing Wa All Stars" "Engine", Saddick Alhassan  

Dauda Mohammed Wins Kotoko POTM May Gong

Kumasi Asante Kotoko striker Dauda Mohammed has won the clubs Player Of The Month (POTM) award for May for his excellent displays in seeing the club rise to second on the Ghana Premier League (GPL) table.

The club’s POTM Gong, is voted for by fans of the club who rates the performance of their players every month as a form of motivation to help them improve on their output.

Dauda has scored seven goals in the ongoing GPL and, also won the award for April and, is also a member of Ghana national U-20 team that is trying to qualify to the African championships in Zambia next year.

“Another award received in the month of May as the player of the month. I have nothing to say than to thank everyone for their support and prayers especially to the fabulous family and the fans, you’ve voted for me once again for two successive months and without you I wouldn’t have been this far” Dauda wrote on his Facebook account.

He added: “Once again thank you and let’s all enjoy our victory against our arch rivals Hearts of oak yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium as we revenged for the President Cup they took from us last year.”

He will be hoping to find the net in Kotoko’s next GPL game when the competition resumes next Wednesday with the round of 18 ties.

Dauda Mohammed Wins Kotoko POTM May Gong