Hamza quits Kotoko ?

As predicted by keen followers of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, the dissolution of the management team headed by Herbert Mensah has created anxiety and a state of uncertainty among a number of players.

The first to call it quits is Hamza Mohammed who has to return to his ‘mother club’ Real Tamale United (RTU) “because he is unsure about his future in Kotoko” without the Herbert administration. Hamza was contracted from RTU last season on loan with a view of regularising his stay in Kumasi for the 2003 season.

The management of RTU sent a reminder to Kotoko a few weeks ago to respect the terms of the original loan agreement and send Hamza back to Tamale or commence fresh negotiations for his outright sale to Kotoko. The former RTU captain had indicated he was desirous of staying in Kumasi under the Herbert Mensah administration and encouraged the former CEO to intensify efforts to regularise his stay.

However, as soon as Herbert’s administration was kicked out of office, Hamza told the media he did not feel confident enough to continue his association with Kotoko. He told Africa Sports in a telephone chat he was returning to Tamale.

Rumour was rife recently, that Hamza was shifting camp to Kotoko’s arch rivals, Hearts of Oak but Hearts’ management member, Steve Akwetey denied any such move for 2003 season although he admitted that his club pursued RTU’s gem last season.

It is unclear whether Hearts will renew their interest in Hamza now that he has decided to leave the reds. Hamza, himself, would neither confirm nor deny whether he would play for Hearts. All he would says is, “I want to return to my mother club for now.”

A number of players have expressed their concern about the exit of Herbert, saying it could affect their relationship with the club.