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?

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

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

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"s CEO Refutes Match Fixing Allegations By Bechem United

The Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Lord Opoku Nti has vehemently refuted claims by the Public Relations Officer(P.R.O) of Bechem United, Bismark Danso after he allegedly claimed that two top officials of Kotoko asked them to play it soft in their FA Cup match because they were not financially endowed to represent Ghana in Africa’s club competition.

 

Kotoko subsequently lost 3-2 penalty after the two sides where tied up 1-1 after extra time.

 

“I was having a jovial discussion with the CEO of Bechem United Mr.king, where i told him they cant make it to Africa if even they should progress,so am very surprise as to this development,” he told Nyhira Fm.

 

“After all if they was even an intention to influence the match,the VIP section of the stadium will not be the appropriate place to do that,so am amazed over the baseless allegation being made by the P.R.O, i think he has an hidden agenda against me”.

 

Kotoko will travel to Techiman to face Techiman City in the second round fixtures that kicks start this weekend.

 

Bechem United after their triumph over Kotoko will face off against Wa Rockets in the semi finals of the MTN FA Cup to be played next month

Kotoko"s CEO Refutes Match Fixing Allegations By Bechem United

Kotoko Threaten To Boycott President Cup

Kumasi based side Asante Kotoko have threaten to boycott their President Cup match against Hearts of Oak scheduled for July 1, sighting reasons of the inaccuracy with regards to timing on the part of organizers.

The Porcupine Warriors are said to have complained about the date of the game due to their Premier League game against WA All Stars on June 29  which automatically makes up a very tight schedule against their rivals who will be seeking a revenge after their loss last month

The Reds are said to have notified GHALCA about the date of the game which comes just two days after their League game against WA All Stars at the Babayara Sports Stadium.

“Everything is set but Kotoko have complained they won’t be able to travel all the way from Kumasi after their League game against WA All Stars,” GHALCA spokesperson Symtimer Acheampong told Accra FM.

“But we are putting in place measures to ensure they honour the match.”

The President Cup is being played to commemorate Ghana’s Republic day celebration.

Kotoko Threaten To Boycott President Cup

Micheal Osei Comments After Kotoko"s Defeat Against New Edubiase

Interim Manager for Asante Kotoko Michael Osei has expressed his disappointment following his side’s 0-1 defeat at home to  New Edubiase on Saturday.

The Porcupine Warriors as they are referred to couldn’t find the back of the net after squandering numerous chances that fell to them.

This defeat is a major setback to the interim Coach who was ready to pick up the mantle as head coach if given the opportunity by management.

In a post match press conference Michael Osei was furious about his side’’s missed chances.

He said “It’s rather unfortunate not to pick at least a point from this game, we player a very good game but that’s what happens when you don’t take your chances”.

New Edubiase where bottom prior this match  and got the only goal of the match through a blistering strike  from  Prince Antwi in 21st minute strike.

 

Coach Osei will at least have one last shot of reinstating a strong statement to management of being considered for the coaching job when his side face their biggest rival of all time rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in a titanic clash on may 2nd in match day 10 of the Ghana Premier League.

Micheal Osei Comments After Kotoko"s Defeat Against New Edubiase