Kotoko Swerves Ashantigold

ASANTE KOTOKO?s acting chief executive officer, Mr. Jarvis Peprah, has dismissed media reports that the club owed Ashantigold, in connection with the hiring of about 30 special security men during the Porcupine Warriors? match against Tunisia?s CS Sfaxien on Saturday, July 29, reports Isaac Franklin. ?In a bid to beef up security for Kotoko?s battle against the Tunisian side, we met the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kwasi Nyantakyi, and the management of Ashantigold to hire some security men,? Mr. Peprah recalled, in an interview with Guide Sports, yesterday.

He added that the three parties resolved that both Ashantigold and Kotoko bore the cost of hiring the security men, which amounted to ?6 million, out of which Kotoko paid ?3 million which was its share of the bill.

Ashantigold, according to credible reports, has already settled its ?3 million debt, but wants Kotoko to pay the rest as if the remaining ?3 million is still outstanding and has therefore chanelled its grievances through the FA. Interestingly, upon an appeal lodged by Ashantigold, the FA wrote to Kotoko, ordering the Porcupine Warriors to pay the remaining ?3 million which is seen as still outstanding.

?We find it strange to receive a letter from Mr. Kofi Nsiah, FA general secretary, ordering us to pay the remaining amount to Ashantigold.? Kotoko has subsequently rejected the general secretary?s letter and asked him to consult, Mr Nyantakyi for clarification on the matter.

Mr. Peprah told Guide Sports yesterday that plans were far advanced to put the Konongo Park in shape for Kotoko?s fixtures in this year?s Premiership, which is expected to kick off on August 20.

An FA inspection team is currently inspecting all Premiership campaigners? home grounds, but the Kotoko CEO confidently stressed that, ?The Konongo Park would be ready for Kotoko?s home fixtures, when before the Premiership league takes off.? Meanwhile, the Porcupine Warriors have stormed Obuasi to prepare adequately for their impending CAF Champions League battle against Egypt?s Al Ahly. The Porcupine Warriors are expected to play in a trial match this week to put them in good condition, before taking on Al Ahly, on Sunday.