Razak reclaims Kotoko glory

When Abdul Razak took over Asante Kotoko earlier this year, many predicted a new dawn. The optimists were right as last weekend the former Ghana captain led the club to a 19th league title with two games in hand.

It was the first time in 10 years that the club, once the most powerful in Ghana, had achieved league success and it was a moment for all to savour, not least of all for Razak.

The 1978 African Footballer of the Year was coaxed back to his old club at the start of the season after successful coaching stints in Mali and Togo.

He told the BBC Sport website it was an amazing feeling to take the club back to the top after a decade in the doldrums.

"It's great I feel very happy because of my love for this club," he said.

"They have not been able to win the league for so long and coming back home and helping them win it in my first year in management makes it very memorable for me."

In the last decade Kotoko had to watch the likes of Accra Hearts of Oak and Obuasi Goldfields dominate the local scene but under Razak there is renewed hope that the Kumasi-based club has turned a corner.

Razak believes it has a lot to do with having the right people back in charge at the club.

"This time round we got everything right - we have an energetic management, the right players and we share good ideas," he said.

"We have also tried so many coaches in the past but none of them ever played for the club, so they have no idea of its history.

"Those who have played before work hand-in-hand to make sure that Kotoko benefits."

But while Kotoko may be benefitting from Razak's return, they may struggle to keep him at the club for much longer.

The 42-year-old has hinted that his future lies elsewhere - as coach of the national team.

And his elevation to that role would come as little surprise.

After successful coaching stints In Togo and Mali, where he lead Stade Malien to two successive league titles, Razak was lured back to Ghana last year to be part of the Black Stars set up.

But after a delay in the application process, Razak decided to take up an offer to manage the 'Porcupine Warriors,' as Kotoko are popularly known.

"I have not been in coaching for long and I think my time will come to coach the Black Stars," he said.

Razak even has a date in mind.

"It probably won't happen in 2006 but maybe in 2010."

But before then, Razak has another laurel he would love to put in Kotoko's trophy cabinet - a Champions League title!