Sacking Duncan could cost Kotoko GHC100,000 a year

The management of Kotoko have resolved to let Coach David Duncan “step aside” following a string of poor results recorded by the Porcupines under the coach in the 2015/16 Premier League.

The decision, which was taken after Kotoko’s 1-0 loss to Aduana Stars at Dormaa on matchday six, has been widely criticized by many, including key board members of the club.

Critics have argued that it would have been prudent for the porcupines to act swiftly by terminating Duncan’s contract if they realise his services are no longer needed.

But sources close to the club have disclosed that the management of Asante Kotoko are disinclined in outrightly sacking the coach because of the thought of contract – and subsequent pay-off as being a decisive factor in Opoku Nti not pulling the trigger before now.

Investigations by GazzettaGhana.com has revealed that, according to a clause in coach David Duncan’s contract with Asante Kotoko, should the club decide to terminate his contract, the coach will still “continue to receive all his contractual benefits and entitlements from the club until he finds another job.”

Literally, the former Hearts of Oak coach will receive his GH¢8,000 monthly salary, monthly bonuses, weekly airtime from MTN, use of his official car and residence and several other emoluments until he finds another job.

If he decides against working for other clubs, it means Asante Kotoko could end up forking out OVER GH¢100,000 a year for him to do nothing. This clause, and many others with severe consequences are the reason why the Porcupines leadership have been slow in taking such a definite decision.

GazzettaGhana.com can also disclose that, life Patron of the club, the Asantehene, after going through Duncan’s contract, has tasked the club’s board chairman Paul Adu Gyamfi to arrange a meeting with the beleaguered coach to resolve the crisis and come out with best possible headway.

Duncan’s sacking came just hours after the club lost to Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro leaving Kotoko languishing at the wrong end of the Ghana Premier League table.

Assistant Michael Osei who has been named as a stop-gap coach is expected to be appointed as manager until the end of the season with several top notch coaches been penned as long-term replacements.