Accra, April 11, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko new-look team which surprised their own fans with the GT gala trophy last Sunday will have to prove to critics they have the heart and temperament to feature for the "red armies" as the GT premier league kick-starts on Sunday. The Porcupine Warriors scaled over AshantiGold 5-4 on penalties to win their third gala trophy since its inception in 1974 to silence their critics after a series of turbulence in recent time.
But the real test begins this Sunday at the Berekum Park where they play as guest of Arsenals in one of the crunch encounters. Even seasoned players who have seen it all in the local league would tell you playing at Berekum park has always been very difficulty, and it's only footballers with big hearts that survive.
Sunday's game may not be the only criteria in assessing the true character of the new boys, but it will be a key factor in determining how they could withstand and deliver before intimidating crowd. Top Four Champions, Kpando Heart of Lions would attempt to avenge a humiliating 4-0 bashing they suffered at the hands of Real Tamale United at the Kaladan Park some two seasons ago when the two sides lock horns at the same venue. But the Kpando boys will have to do without their experienced coach - Bashiru Hayford- who guided them to achieve the Top Four feat.
He is now with Power F/C.
Also coming up is a tricky clash between AshantiGold and Liberty Professionals at the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium. AshGold sent a strong signal to the rest of the teams with an all-attacking game displayed during the gala and Liberty would have play above themselves to survive.
League Champions Hearts of Oak welcome their once bogey side Ebusua Dwarfs after a brief stay in Division One to the Accra Sports Stadium, Power trek to Sekondi as guest of Hasaacas, while Feynoord host new entrants Kade Hotspurs at the Swedru Stadium.
Fresh from their continental assignment, King Faisal, are highly favoured to massacre Tano Bofoakwa while the Tema Sports Stadium would host Sportive and Okwawu United in a match of equals.