Kotoko coach Osei ‘has club's backing’

Asante Kotoko caretaker coach Michael Osei claims the club's top hierarchy has shown faith in his services and will confirm him as the substantive coach ahead of the new season despite rumours that an expatriate will soon takeover.

Newly appointed executive chairman of the Kumasi-based outfit Dr. Kwame Kyei is expected to ring changes in several departments but Osei insists he will not be affected.

''I'm not resigning; neither do I think I will lose my job at Kotoko. Dr. Kwame Kyei has told me to stay focused and ignore all rumours circulating around that he will be appointing a foreign coach very soon," Osei told Nhyira FM.

"This is because he believes whatever foreign coaches can do, local ones can perform equal task and maybe better,'' he added.

Kotoko were eliminated from the Ghalca G6 tournament by rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday and Osei has admitted he will bring on board new players to strengthen his squad.

"I will definitely add few players to the squad because I still have to strengthen some of the departments," Osei said.

"Already, we have brought in Isaac Quansah, Prince Acquah and Conney Idan. I'm waiting for one or two players in addition. 'These players will definitely arrive before the new season kicks off."

Goal understands that former Bechem United defender Felix Kwakye is likely to join Kotoko as a backup for left-back Edwin Tuffour Frimpong.

Also, Ivorians Jean Kone Marcelin, Alexander Kouame Kouassi and Allen Tanol maybe recruited after impressing the technical team during their two-week trial.