Kotoko in search of a stop-gap coach

Kumasi, Aug 2, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko are looking for a stop-gap coach to replace Abdul Karim Zito, who is recuperating from an operation on his wrist following an attack on him by unidentified thugs in Accra last Saturday.

The names of two notable figures, Coach-hene Emmanuel Afranie and Isaac Paha has so far popped up as the front liners for the job. Mr Afrifa Yamoah-Ponkoh, Director of Operations of the Interim Management Team (IMT) of Kotoko told the GNA Sports in an interview in Kumasi on Tuesday.

He said there has been a lot of speculations linking a number of coaches to the appointment and that the IMT in collaboration with the Board will choose from one of the two coaches in view of their experience.

"We will hold an emergency meeting this week to officially come out with our choice. Our supporters should therefore remain calm and resolute and be committed to the team's anticipation of winning the GT Premier league".

Mr Yamoah-Ponkoh said the IMT has put in place adequate measures to achieve this feat, adding that, "We will justify the confidence reposed in us".

The Director of Operations hinted that the management of Kotoko has officially petitioned the Appeals Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to review the decision of the Disciplinary Committee that declared Kotoko losers in their protest over the fielding of an unqualified player by Tano Bofoakwa in their first round encounter at Sunyani.

Mr Yamoah-Ponkoh said plans were far advanced for the Kotoko project at Adako-Jachie to take off very soon when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, owner of the Club cuts the sod for the commencement of the project.

He therefore called on all well-meaning supporters of the club to donate both in cash and in kind towards the completion of the project to enable the team have its own stadium and other facilities.