Kotoko's management calls for collaboration

Kumasi, Feb 14, GNA - The management of Kumasi Asante Kotoko football Club has said the task of developing the team to an appreciable standard should not be considered as the sole prerogative of a particular individual or institution but a collective one. The management therefore stressed the need for stakeholders to bury their differences and strive to collaborate to fashion out proactive programmes that would ensure that Kotoko regained its enviable status in African football.

Mr George Amoako, Management Member in-charge of Finance and Administration, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kumasi on Tuesday on the way forward for the Club following the team's elimination from the MTN/CAF Champion's League.

Kotoko's hope of advancing to the next stage of this year's Champion's League were dashed when Port Authority Club of the Gambia beat them 4-2 on penalties after the two teams settled for a 1-1 drawn score line in their two league matches.

Mr Amoako indicated that much as their defeat at the hands of the Gambians was painful, the Management was putting in place the necessary measures to ensure that the team's elimination from the Champion's League does not demoralise the playing body.

"In football anything can happen", he remarked, stressing that it was against this backdrop that Management was committed to psyching up the players to leave the defeat behind them and concentrate on future assignments.

The Kotoko Management Member expressed optimism that the team would qualify for next year's Champions League as they were preparing feverishly to win the 2006/2007 Onetouch Premier league, to eventually give them the mandate.

On the team's contract with Coach Bashiru Hayford, Mr Amoako said that plans were far advanced to give the coach a befitting contractual agreement to ensure that he discharged his duties creditably. He stated that Management had resolved not to interfere in the coach's work when he is fully signed on, adding that as a result the (coach Hayford) would be allowed to choose his own assistant to avoid conflict of interest.

Mr Amoako expressed shock at reports that Kotoko's Ivorian import, Ahmed Toure had reportedly signed a five-year contract with CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, even though he was yet to officially complete his contract with Kotoko.

"In view of the seriousness of the issue, we have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) through the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to look into the issue and if necessary bring Sfaxien to book if they are found to be culpable", he noted.