Kotoko To Sign Osei Officially

The Board of Directors of Asante Kotoko will sign Michael Osei on interim basis until the end of the season, Sportscrusader.com understands.

Michael Osei was given the mandate to lead the Porcupine Warriors by Management after a horrendous start under David Duncan.

However, he was not signed officially as the interim coach, and the Board of Directors after meeting earlier this week unanimously agreed to sign him on until the end of the season.

Sources say his performance will be assessed at the end of end of the season before  decision on his future is decided.

The current Board won’t continue when their term of office ends next month, and it is unclear who will assess the former New Edubiase assistant coach at the end of the season.

Kotoko To Sign Osei Officially

Osie Eyes GPL Title

Asante Kotoko interim coach Michael Osei says his wish to lead the club to the lift the 2015-16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) title.

The former New Edubiase boss was given the mantle to lead the technical responsibilities in April this year as an stop-gap successor of David Duncan after a horrendous start to the season which saw the team rocked bottom of the league table.

His presence has been magical as the team’s dwindling fortunes turned for good and they moved to third position after the first round of the season.

They’ve continued from where they left off and their quest for glory is in on course.

“We are working and our focus [on winning the Premier League] has not changed,” Osei said after winning the 2016 President’s Cup.

“Winning the league is my wish and what we all need to do is to continue to work very hard and make sure we play every game with discipline and hope that at the end of the season we finish at good position.” He added.

Having won the President’s Cup as a player Michael Osei repeated the feat as a coach last week Friday, and he is elated he chalked success.

“Winning the [President’s] trophy means a lot to me because as an upcoming coach, winning such a trophy against a big club like Hearts of Oak I think is massive. Is a great achievement and I very happy.” He said.

Michael Osei took over as interim coach on April 4 this year, 6 matches into the season, after David Duncan was asked by management to step aside until further notice.

He has since played 12 league matches, won 9, drawn 1 and lost 2.

Osie Eyes GPL Title

Eric Donkor Happy With Kotoko’s League Position

Kumasi Asante Kotoko flying winger Eric Donkor has expressed his excitement at the strong end to the first half of the season.

The relieved winger admired the mental toughness within the playing squad and the hunger for domestic glory even when the Reds were struggling in the early part of the season.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko endured it’s worst start to a season in over 40 years with one win in the opening six fixtures but turned the table to finish the first round on the third slot.

Versatile wide man, Eric Donkor, however expressed his excitement at the strong end to the opening half of the season that includes five wins in the last six matches.

Speaking to www.sportscrusader.com ahead of the second round of the league, the 23 year old remains bullish about his side’s premiership ambition.

“We didn’t start the season well but we finished very strongly as a unit.

We didn’t start as we wanted and finishing above Hearts of Oak doesn’t excites me either because we would have love to be on top.

The top spot is now our priority and we are going to work hard for it”, Eric Donkor told sports crusader.

The full back turned winger remains one of the key cogs in the rejuvenated Kumasi Asante Kotoko that zoomed out of the basement place after match day six to third place at the end of the first round.

The reds mustered a run of four successive wins before been halted at the Wa but returned to maul Techiman City in the final match of the first round.

Eric Donkor Happy With Kotoko’s League Position

Osei Confirms Striker Persuit

Interim Asante Kotoko Coach Michael Osei has confirmed he needs the services of a striker to beef up the attacking line of his team.

The Porcupine Warriors have the ambition of lifting the 2015-16 Ghana Premier League title, but the front line of his team is blunt, and he would like to have a lethal finisher to achieve his goal.

“Gradually our physical performance is improving because in the first half of the game we were studying the game because we made sure that as an away team we will not concede any goal and in the second half we played all out.

“What we need now is a clinical finisher.

“We have Dauda Mohammed and Obed Owusu but I think it would be prudent we purchase a clinical finisher and one holding midfielder to help Stephen Nyarko in midfield.” He confirmed on Nhyira FM.

Michael Akuffo and Mark Sekyere on the sidelines for an opportunity to represent the club, but the club is reluctant.

However, at the attacking department of the team, the club is after the signatures of Nathaniel Asamoah, Saddick Adams and Emmanuel Osei.

Osei Confirms Striker Persuit

Kotoko Trainer Hails Team After Bechem Win

Asante Kotoko’s interim Head Coach, Michael Osei has stated that his side praised his side’s second half performance during their 1-0 win over Bechem United on Wednesday.

A lone Frank Sarfo Gyamfi lone second half strike ensured the Porcupine Warriors carried all three points at the Bechem Park.

And speaking to reporters after the game, Kotoko trainer Michael Osei admitted that the game was a difficult one but his players did enough to record the victory.

”The first half was a 50-50 game but we dominated the second half more than the opponent and we deserved the win”, he said.

Osei also praised goal scorer Frank Sarfo Gyamfi for scoring the superb goal that gave them all the three points.

Following the victory, Asante Kotoko are now sitting on the 4th position on the 2015 /2016 league log with 21 points.

Kotoko Trainer Hails Team After Bechem Win

I Need A Midfielder And Striker - Osei Tells Kotoko

Interim coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Michael Osei has told management of the club that he require the services of a midfielder and a striker.

The management of the club released 14 players and brought on 12 before the start of this season, but less than a half of the players have made any positive impact since joining the club.

And Michael Osei, who was tasked to take over from David Duncan after six Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches this season, have asked for two players to beef up the team.

He has the services of Michael Akuffo at his disposal to the midfield, but the management of the club are reluctant to register him for the second round the of the season.

His major priority to join his attack is Nathaniel Asamoah who returned from Raja Casablanca after a failed season with the Moroccan outfit, however, he has also asked for Berekum Chelsea striker Saddick Adams as an alternative should they fail to reach an agreement with their one time goal machine.

 

I Need A Midfielder And Striker - Osei Tells Kotoko

Players Never Sabotaged Duncan - Adams

Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender, Ahmed Adams has said there was no sour relationship between the playing body and their former coach, David Duncan.

Duncan was asked to step aside until further notice after a series of poor results, and his assistant Michael Osei was tasked to take charge of the technical bench.

Coach Osei has since turned around the fortunes of the club ass they have risen to fifth on the Ghana Premier League log after being last at a point in time and have also booked a place in the last 16 of the MTN FA Cup competition.

The quick turn around of the fortunes of the club has intensified reports that the players undermined David Duncan’s reign.

Ahmed Adams, who has played every minute of league football under both coaches, has however rebuked those claims noting that nothing has changed under Michael Osei.

“We didn’t sabotage David Duncan. We were very close to him. The only thing that differentiated us from Coach Duncan was his attire whenever we were together with him,” he said.

“Michael Osei has not brought anything new to the club, it is the old Kotoko,” he told Accra based radio station, Happy FM.

Kotoko is four points behind league leaders, Accra Hearts of Oak after 11 matches.

Players Never Sabotaged Duncan - Adams

Kotoko Were Superior - Osei

Michael Osei hailed his players tactical awareness against Accra Hearts of Oak on Monday.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko handed their bitterest rivals Accra Hearts of Oak 1-0 defeat at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Accra courtesy of goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye’s howler in the first half.

Hearts were tipped to beat Kotoko, but it turned out the other way round and Michael Osei has lauded the tactical discipline of his team.

“I said before the game that it was going to be a tactical game and the side that would be tactically disciplined would win the game.

“In the game we were tactically disciplined,” he said after the game.

Asante Kotoko will host Dwarfs in the weekend, while Hearts of Oak will visit Berekum Chelsea.

Kotoko Were Superior - Osei

Kotoko Legend Backs Michae Osei To Succeed

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko coach, Abdul Razak Karim has backed interim boss Michael Osei to lead the team to success.

Michael Osei, served as assistant coach under Masa-ud Didi Dramani and David Duncan respectively, before he was promoted to head the technical bench of the team after a series of poor results under the latter.

The team has won three of their four games under his tutelage, but the latest defeat to New Edubiase United opened up old wounds and the atmosphere surrounding his future as a permanent heir to David Duncan passed through the window.

However, Abdul Razak Karim, who won the Premier League title in the 2003-04 season for the Porcupine Warriors, reckon he has the capabilities to succeed at Kotoko.

“Michael (Osei) is a very good coach. He has worked at New Edubiase United, he also worked with Didi Dramani and David Duncan,” the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations Cup winner told Sportscrusader.com.

“He has acquired a lot of experience under all these coaches and he has also shown that he can be his own man when the management asked him to take over the team.

“And it is not the first time he has done that: he won the FA Cup two years ago and he also won the GHALCA tournament. He just need the support of the people and he will do a good job for the club,” he added.

The Golden Boy as Abdul Razak is affectionately called, says he knows the problem and is ready to offer advise if the hierarchy need ideas.

Kotoko Legend Backs Michae Osei To Succeed

GPL Week 9 Review

As the clock ticks faster, so does the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League.

The season is already 9 matches old, and the real results are beginning to present themselves as teams reach their peak.

Asante Kotoko succumbed to their fourth defeat of the season to open healing wounds in post-Coach Duncan era.

New Edubiase United ended their resurgence — winning the game by a solitary goal courtesy of Prince Antwi.

The top fixture of the match-day nine encounters was in Obuasi between Ashanti Gold and Hearts of Oak. The two men at the dugout of both sides were under pressure for different reasons — Bashir Hayford for poor results, while Kenichi for alleged altercation with his employers.

The off-pitch issues were buried for the turf to take over, and the game served spectators at the venue worth their money.

Having gone four games without a win Hearts of Oak ended their winless streak with a hard fought 2-1 win over Ashantigold in Obuasi. Forward Cosmos Dauda scored a brace as Hearts of Oak ended their 9 year wait for a win at the Len Clay Stadium.

Wa All Stars consolidated their lead at the top of the league with a 2-0 win over Inter Allies at the Wa Park. Striker Richard Arthur and Emmanuel Ocran scored late into the second half to maintain their two points lead at the top of the table.

Aduana Stars enjoyed back to back wins for the first time in the league as they

recorded a resounding 3-0 victory over Medeama. Yahaya Mohammed scored twice, one in each half before Elvis Opoku hit the final nail on the coffin of Medeama.

Liberty Professionals won their first game of the season after a Bernard Arthur strike on the 90th minute condemned Hasaacas to a second successive defeat. Hasaacas had all the chances to give Liberty a mountain to climb, but fluffed their lines and the Scientific Soccer lads punished them for their profligacy.

Berekum Chelsea — the only side yet to drop points at home, continued their 100% record with a 3-0 win over Dreams FC. A brace from top scorer Saddick Adams and one from Seth Appiah ensured the Dreams suffer back-to-back defeats.

WAFA disrupted play with their timing wasting antics

WAFA got the better of Ebusua Dwarfs, beating them 2-0 in Sogakope without their leading scorer Samuel Tetteh who was suspended for the tie.

Charles Boateng and Ibrahim Tanko scored in each half to ensure maximum points for the academy side.

Techiman City responded to their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ebusua Dwarfs with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bechem United.

Issaka Ibrahim and Isaac Baah scored to ensure that the Techiman side remain unbeaten at home.

GPL Week 9 Review

Four Things We Learned From Kotoko - New Edubiase United Clash

Football pundits termed it ‘an upset’, Anthony Commey said is ‘nothing special’, which ever opinion you hold of New Edubiase United’s victory in Kumasi, Kotoko left the Baba Yara Sports Stadium with zero points.

Having miraculously found the impetus required of a champion to be after the Duncan step aside brouhaha, the result brought to an end a three game winning streak of the Porcupines under Michael Osei and also dampen Kotoko spirits ahead of their Super Two clash against Hearts of Oak next week.

Anthony Commey showed Michael that ‘once your boss, always your boss.’

Four things we learned from the game.

Hello Ahmed Adams, you’re not a Nesta.

If there was any defender in the world who would choose to sit on the ball and cover up for himself, it was Alessandro Nesta.

He is widely considered to be one of the best centre backs of his time and also as one of the greatest defenders ever, he is best known for his artistic tackles, elegance on the ball, distribution, and tight marking of opponents.

Ahmed Adams, is getting swollen headed due to his consistency in the line up week in and out. He must desist from that attitude for the betterment of the team.

Michael Osei schooled by his boss.

Michael Osei understudied Anthony Commey for a year at New Edubiase United, but he failed to learn from his boss. From the early minutes of the game, New Edubiase United’s intent in the game was understandable by even a layman in the game of football.

They receded possession and were more interested in preventing Kotoko from stringing, but Michael Osei kept on playing to their style instead of tweaking his.

New Edubiase United will beat relegation drop.

New Edubiase United have started the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL), season poorly, and were involved in a relegation dogfight prior to their Match-Day Nine game against Asante Kotoko.

Their performance against a ‘so called’ rejuvenated Porcupine Warriors was at par with almost all the best performing sides this season and if they are consistent with that output, relegation will not sniff around them come the dying embers from the season.

Kotoko were nervous. 

The Kotoko players never looked like a team recovering from lack of confidence. Dauda Mohammed, notably,  was presented with some glorious chances to draw parity, but missed those opportunities.

Anthony Commey’s side displayed a well-composed game plan against a very nervous-looking Kotoko side and repelled all attacks by the Kumasi side.

Four Things We Learned From Kotoko - New Edubiase United Clash

Kotoko Shocked At Defeat

Interim Asante Kotoko coach, Michael Osei says he has lost adjectives to describe Kotoko’s defeat to New Edubiase United in their Match-Day Nine Ghana Premier League (GPL) game on Saturday night.

The Porcupine Warriors were humbled by Prince Antwi in the first half after a defensive blunder by Ahmed Adams and they could not recover to earn even a point.

And Michael Osei says they played a good game and he is shocked they left empty handed.

“I think we played a good game but very unfortunate that we couldn’t even get one point, it’s a very shocking defeat for us”.

He blamed a lapse in concentration for the goal his side conceded saying:

“I think it was lack of concentration in our central defense that’s why we conceded that goal and we couldn’t also take our chances”.

“This [defeat] part of the game. It happens all the time because we all know football is a very strange game. We didn’t expect that we will lose such a game but we have to live on and then make sure we correct our mistakes and move on to the next game,” he added.

Kotoko will next travel to the Accra Sports Stadium to face fiercest rivals Accra Hearts of Oak with New Edubiase United hosting Berekum Chelsea at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Match-Day 10 action of the Ghana Premier League.

Kotoko Shocked At Defeat

I am Ripe For Kotoko Job - Michael Osei

Interim Asante Kotoko coach, Michael Osei says he is ready for the touchline job of the club, if management believes he has the credentials.

Asante Kotoko seem to be on the right track – winning all three games in all competitions after a series of poor results under David Duncan.

And Osei is convinced, he is ready to take up the mantle, though he is not in a rush for the substantive role at the dug out.

“I have been in football for a long time and i believe I have acquired a lot of experience all these years. I am ever ready for the job if management believe I have the credentials,” the former Black Stars midfielder said in interview with Boss FM in Kumasi.

“I am not in a rush to step up the ladder in the position, I am waiting for God’s time and if this is the time, then I am ready.

“During my time in Germany, I learnt a lot on man-management and and the psychological aspect of coaching.” He added.

Considering the status of Asante Kotoko, expectations are always high. Michael Osei admits there is some pressure to produce results, but he feels it is normal.

“I feel the pressure is normal. A club like Kotoko represents the symbol of the Ashanti Kingdom and there will always be pressure. During my playing days, it was same, so I don’t see it as pressure.

“The pressure as a player is different from coaching we are working together for the club, I’m aware of the expectation at the club but I don’t have any fears in that regard.” He said.

Michael Osei was asked by Kotoko management to take ivet the coaching responsibilities after Duncan was asked to step aside until further notice.

I am Ripe For Kotoko Job - Michael Osei

GPL Preview: Dreams Host Rejuvenated Kotoko

The first midweek fixtures of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL), will see Dreams FC host Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Theatre of Dreams on Wednesday.

Asante Kotoko seem to be a side who have recovered from the early season ghost which haunted them and led to the sacking of David Duncan.

The Porcupine Warriors have won their two post Duncan games in all competitions, scoring five goals and conceding only one.

Dreams FC on the other hand are buoyed by their victory on Match-Day Seven over defending champions AshantiGold at the Obuasi Len Stadium and their overall performance so far this season, has been impressive as they lie third on the league log with 14 points.

The two sides have never met in Ghana’s football history.

The presence of Michael Osei on the Kotoko touch line has brought some new lift into Kotoko’s play, and Dreams FC will be wary of the threat the Porcupine Warriors will pose on Wednesday.

Charles Kwebana Akunnor on the other side have led Dreams FC to go above expectations in this, their debut league campaign, and his boys will not be intimidated by the pedigree of Asante Kotoko.

Team News:

Dreams FC have little injury concerns to worried about, and same applies to Kotoko who will have the services of Felix Annan after he made the bench in their 2-0 win over Real 24 Hours in the MTN FA Cup round of 32 fixture in Tumu.

Unless otherwise stated

No player suspended for this tie.

The man in the middle

Ali Alhassan has been appointed by the Referees Selection Committee to oversee affairs on the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams.

GPL Preview: Dreams Host Rejuvenated Kotoko

Kotoko Will Retain Michael Osei if...

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will make interim boss Michael Osei substantive coach should he record good results.

Michael Osei was appointed last week to replace David Duncan who was asked to step aside until further notice after a series of poor results.

The former Black Stars midfielder led the team to victory over Liberty Professionals in his first game, and sportscrusader.com has gathered that management intends to keep him should he win matches that will keep the club in a position capable of winning the league.

The Management of Kotoko were asked to sort out differences with the beleaguered David Duncan by Life Patron of the club, the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II on Monday, but management won’t keep him.

It is believed management is ready to agree a payment package for Coach Duncan, and will arrange that in due course.

Kotoko Will Retain Michael Osei if...

Kotoko Hope Victory Over Liberty Continues

Interim head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Michael Osei, hopes the performance of his side against Liberty Professionals, is not a flash in the pan.

The Porcupine Warriors returned to winning ways on Match Week 7 of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League.

Goals from Ahmed Adams, Dauda Mohammed and Amos Frimpong, earned the team in Michael Osei’s first game as the main man on the dug out and he hopes it continues.

“We played well and we hope this performance continues,” the former midfield enforcer said in a post-match press conference.

“Apart from winning the game we played some good football as well.

“We were disciplined and I am happy for the win, I just hope we keep our focus and win our subsequent games.

Michael also reckon the win is morale booster for the upcoming games.

“For me I think this win will boost our confidence in the remaining matches so I am hoping for the best.”

Kotoko Hope Victory Over Liberty Continues

I Need Your Blessings To Succeed - Michael Osei To Duncan

Interim head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Michael Osei has asked his former boss for his blessings, to succeed in his career.

Duncan was asked by employers to step aside until further notice on Sunday after a series of poor results in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Osei, was tasked to take over the coaching responsibilities, and his critics have described him as a traitor.

He has been accused of masterminding Duncan’s failure at the club, but the former Mainz midfielder has written a text message to his boss.

The text intercepted by sportscrusader.com reads:

“You’re one of a kind and I will never do anything against you. Please don’t let the public destroy the relationship we built. I will need your blessings to succeed in my career.”

Sports crusader did not chance on David Duncan’s reply but it is believed he bare no grudges with his assistant.

Michael Osei led Kotoko’s training session on Tuesday and Wednesday.

I Need Your Blessings To Succeed - Michael Osei To Duncan

Problems In Kotoko Are Not Coach"s Fault - Mends

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko trainer, Ebo Mends has said the unending problems at the club, is not the fault of coaches. Kotoko have started the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL), poorly and is languishing at the bottom of the  league table. Management of the club asked David Duncan to step aside until further notice,though Ebo Mends, admits the results are not good, he won’t blame Duncan for the outcome. “Looking at the league table and where Kotoko is lying now, it is very surprising and very worrying but in all, I think Duncan should not be blamed,” Mends said in an interview with Asempa FM. “Coaching Kotoko is not an easy task and seeing Duncan in this situation I know it not easy for him as a coach, because I have also been in this same situation.” He said. Ebo Mends also called the ex-Great Olympics coach to resign because the directive from the club means ‘sacked’. “If I am Coach Duncan, I will resign from Kotoko because,step aside simply means you are sacked and I don’t understand why the management are failing to tell Duncan to you are fired.” Ebo Mends who also had stint with Berekum Arsenals alleged that the playing body are part of the problems. “The truth is the problem within Kotoko it is not always the coach but sometimes the players play a part in creating all these problems.” he alleged.

Problems In Kotoko Are Not Coach"s Fault - Mends

Michael Osei Certain Of Victory On Sunday

The mantle has fallen on his lap and in fact, it was actually handed to him this week, when managers of the club asked Coach David Duncan to step aside.

Now Michael Osei, also known as “Mickey” has the arduous task of guiding Kotoko, to win against Liberty Professionals on match day seven of the 2015/16 Premier League.

The Porcupines, have won one of their six matches – drawn twice and lost three times and are at the bottom on the league table for the first time in history.

On Tuesday, after the defeat to Aduana Stars, Michael Osei supervised Kotoko’s first training session, which was at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. He was also present at the breakfast meeting management had with the players.

Later in that day, Coach Osei again led the training session at Adako Jachie. The team was visited by the club owner, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, though unannounced.

The visit by the Asantehene, has been described as a confidence booster, as he asked for victory. That demand must be fulfilled and kept in subsequent matches and coach Michael Osei’s task is therefore cut for him.

As an ex-Kotoko player with fine coaching experience from Germany, coupled with recent refresher courses, Osei is neither new to the pressure Kotoko fans exert on the team in times like this nor is he unaware of what coaches at the club go through to secure good result.

On Sunday in Kumasi, Michael Osei, to be assisted by team manager and upcoming coach, Godwin Ablordey would be closer to the heat in the kitchen, than he has been since the season started. Victory is all that everyone at Kotoko expects.

Liberty are in a form of their own, after thrashing league champions Ashgold 5-1 in their last game. Kotoko haven’t had such a decent form this season but Michael Osei has the duty of getting his team to play well and win. Kotoko must essentially apply the brakes on the fast running Liberty team.

Osei, appreciates the enormity of his assignment and he says that, they are working for victory.

“Together we’ve been doing our best. The objective is to win our next match. The team spirit, composure, conduct; all the things are being worked on. We are sure of victory” he told Asantekotokosc.com.

Credit: Asantekotokosc.com.

Michael Osei Certain Of Victory On Sunday

PHOTOS: Kotoko Assistant Coach Overseeing Training

The Management of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has moved today’s training session to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Michael Osei leading training session at Baba Yara sports stadium

The team’s training session is always held at the Adako Jachie training grounds, but management moved the training to the Baba Yara Stadium to avoid having Coach Duncan taking the sesssion.

The team will return to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium at 15:00 GMT for a second training session today.

K

PHOTOS: Kotoko Assistant Coach Overseeing Training