Timing of reconstituted Kotoko Board was bad - Middendorf

Ernst Middendorf, Head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has criticised the timing of the newly constituted board of Directors of the club and said it nearly derailed the team's programme.

The coach who is in his second year with the Osei Krom lads said though he is not eligible to point out to the patron of the team as to when to appoint a board, he thinks it should have been done earlier than they did. He said since the technical handlers had done all the major things like player recruitment and transfers, setting up the board at the time could distract the team's attention and may affect their performance.

He told the GNA Sports in Accra that while there seem to be coordination between the playing body and the technical handlers, the same couldn't be said of the board adding, "they seem to be in a limbo." Concerning this year's league, Middendorf said if Kotoko could minimise the mistakes, they could win the league.

He conceded that irrespective of the seemingly difficulties in the camp of the defending champions Accra Hearts of Oaks, they (Hearts) remain a big threat to their (Kotoko) title aspirations since the Phobians are capable of rising above the occasion at any time. Middendorf was full of praise for the Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals. He described them as potential contenders who could pose a stiff challenge in the season.

The coach said however, that teams like Brong Ahafo United should not be ruled out judging from their performance in the gala and their current victory over Goldfields. He said irrespective of the stumbling blocks, nothing could stop Kotoko from getting to the "dream land." Having come under fierce criticism from the media for his quick temper during matches, the coach said his quest to protect his valuable players made him to be misunderstood.

He said, "it is completely unacceptable to watch your players being whacked thereby sustaining injuries that either affect their performance or even bring their carrier to an end." Concerning officiating, the tactician, said he won't sit down for any referee to watch unconcern while his boys are manhandled on the pitch.