Duncan calls for fair officiating

Accra, Nov 22, GNA -- David Duncan, head coach of Obuasi Ashgold has said his side stands a better chance of picking the three maximum points at stake in the 12th week Premier League match against Kumasi Asante Kotoko if there is fair officiating.

He told the GNA Sports in an interview that, even though they respect Kotoko, which he said is a club with great tradition, they are beatable, provided a fair and credible referee is appointed for the game.

'We want a referee who will be firm, always on the spot and credible and if these conditions are fulfilled there is no way Kotoko can beat us.'

'Our chances are bright and I don't see us losing this game because Kotoko is beatable taking into consideration the current crop of materials in my team'. Coach Duncan stated.

Coach Duncan refuted claims that his side is not motivated to grab the three points since they have already qualified for the continental competition, adding that the league remains the major target of the Club in the premiership.

A win for the Miners will maintain them on top of the table whilst a drop in points will see them relinquish their position to Kotoko.

'The only thing which will deny us the maximum points is bad officiating, apart from that there is no way we will let go the points because we need to maintain our position on the table'.

Touching on the qualification of the team to the continental competition after several years of absence, the coach described their qualification as a challenge instead of an event for celebration, though a good feeling.

Coach Duncan said he has been provided with a bigger challenge and the expectations have become higher, adding that this rather calls for hard work and dedication to meet the challenges ahead. He said. He said even though the challenges are bigger and tougher on the continental scene, his experience in the Macufe Cup Competition in South Africa, which his side won and the Africa Youth Championship in Gambia where he headed the technical team of the National Under-17 team have given him the needed exposure and temperament to live up to the task. The tough talking coach however disclosed that his team will need some reinforcement ahead of the competition.

He said that even though the team looks good on the surface and seem to have scored more goals in the competition, there is still the need to add more bite to the attack as well as other departments ahead of the continental campaign.