Kotoko To Field Taylor Against Hearts

League leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko say they will field Charles Taylor against his former club, Hearts of Oak, when the two sides clash in the 13th week fixture of the Kinapharma Premier League at the Kumasi Stadium next week.

Nana Yaw Owusu, Kotoko IMC Vice-Chairman said in a telephone interview with the Graphic Sports yesterday that Kotoko have already agreed on terms with the player and the club is waiting for his four-month ban to elapse after August 3 to enable him append his signature to the registration card of Kotoko to enable him continue his career. The IMC member would, however, not delve into details of the terms of agreement with the player.

When Taylor laces his boots against Hearts, it will be the controversial player’s first competitive match for Kotoko, and fans of the Porcupine Warriors are eagerly waiting for that day which they believe will be pay-back time by Taylor in view of the problems he has been through at the hands of Hearts in respect of his transfer to Kotoko.

Per the GFA ruling, Charles Taylor could start playing for Kotoko from August 3 when his four-month ban effectively elapses.

But the threat from Hearts to go to court over the matter could jeopardise Kotoko’s intention to field the player. Hearts are still insisting that Taylor is not free after paying the ?650 million compensation, and that Hearts are entitled to transfer fees apart from the compensation.

From all indications, this week could see another development in the Taylor affair especially as Hearts believe that the GFA is out to undo them in the whole affair.

The inclusion of Taylor in the Kotoko set up could be welcome news for the club as they begin to feel the heat from Hearts in the league.

But the Oseikrom side is still confident that Kotoko would clinch the ultimate, their first in many years. Nana Yaw Owusu said the pressure on Kotoko is normal in every league worldwide.

“How do you expect us to have it all rosy when most of the players have been playing almost every week. Definitely some fatigue would set in but believe me that the coaches are working on that and no club can dislodge us from the top”, the IMC member said.

After dropping five points from the maximum six against Kpando Heart of Lions and Okwahu United last week, Kotoko last Sunday put up a not-too impressive performance and their fans were wondering whether the team could maintain their top position.

Coach Razak seems to be feeling the heat even more as typified by the outburst of the fans last Sunday when he pulled substitute Anars Mohammed out of the game against Arsenals about 20 minutes after he introduced the player as a substitute.

To many other supporters, the coach should be given the free hand to pick his team.