Kumasi, Nov. 9, GNA - Mr Kofi Badu, a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group, has asked managers of football clubs to reposition their clubs and wean them from methods and practices that militate against progress.
He stressed the need for them to implant in their players the recognition of their sacrifices so as to lay solid foundation for the future.
Mr Badu made the call at the B. K. Edusei Memorial Lectures organised by the family of the late football administrator in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of football in Ghana and to Kumasi Asante Kotoko, in particular. The former Managing Director compared the organisation of football clubs in Ghana and those in the North African countries and said it was time Ghanaian football clubs were properly organised and run professionally.
"If we fail to respond to this challenge, we will be losing out on the tremendous opportunities not only on offer and wealth, but we could be undermining the flow of talents needed to feed our teams", he emphasised.
Mr Kofi Badu, who is a Chief Advisor at the Manhyia Palace, lauded the contribution and fortitude of the founding fathers and administrators of the Asante Kotoko Football club and that it was formed in 1935 to transfer the fighting spirit of the Asante youth from warfare into sports contest.
He described the late B. K Edusei as an "embodiment of loyalty and devotion, alternative symbol of generosity and commitment. He was the spark that kept the undying spirit of this great club burning" and therefore urged the present generation of managers of the club to emulate his good deeds.
Mr Kofi Badu expressed concern about lack of commitment by some of the players and said the only honour they can give to the late B. K. Edusei was to capture the continental championship in his honour. Mr Kwame Boafo, a Management Member of Asante Kotoko said players of team were not inferior but the only problem was that some of them did not stay long to get matured before they leave for greener pastures. He said the policy of the Club now was to recruit matured players and pay meaningful contract fees to ensure that they stay longer with the Club.
Mr Boafo also expressed concern about the falling standard of sports journalism in the country and urged sports journalists to learn from their senior colleagues like Mr Kofi Badu, Joe Lartey and others in order to promote sports in the country.
The Akyepimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku appealed to the management of the Club to show keen interest in the Memorial Lectures, which had been instituted as an annual affair and contributes to the award for personalities as part of the programme.
An annual B. K. Edusei Memorial Awards Scheme for best Kotoko player was launched. Eric Bekoe won the maiden award which comprised 1,000 Ghana cedis and a plaque. 09 Nov. 08
