Kotoko players back management

THE playing body of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has expressed solidarity with the club?s management over the decision to terminate the contract of Ian Porterfield as coach of the club.

The Scotsman was fired last week on grounds of ?insorbordination,? just four months into his one-year contract. He has been replaced by German Ralf Zumdick. The dismissal has generated a furore, with media reports alleging that the players do not seem pleased with the change in the club?s technical direction.

Yesterday the players called a press conference to state their position in the impasse between Porterfield and the club?s management.

Skipper Godwin Ablordey, who acted as the spokesman for his colleague, said they would not be drawn into the dispute. But as players they are prepared to work with any coach appointed by the management, and in this case Ralf, Zumdick.

Ablordey, who read a statement denying reports that purported that they silently disapproved of the Scot?s dismissal, said their main focus now is to win Saturday?s Cup Winners Cup return leg match against Ghazel El Mahala in Egypt and qualify to the next stage of the competition. ?This is not the first time that a new coach is coming. (Ernst) Middendorp left midway into the league and Porterfield came in but we went on to win about seven consecutive games?, he said.

?They (coaches) come and they go. We are matured enough to handle the situation, so Porterfield?s absence won?t have any negative effect. We can handle the situation and for now we are behind management and the new coach coach?, assured Ablordey.

Kotoko To Leave Today

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are scheduled to arrive in Cairo today two days before their quarterfinal clash against Gazelle Al Mehalla in the African Cup Winners Cup. The match is the second leg of the quarterfinals.

Kotoko won the first leg by three goals to nil. From Cairo the team will move to Mehalla, which is about two hours drive from the Egyptian capital.

But even before Kotoko touch down in Egypt reports indicate that Al Mehalla is bad mouthing the porcupine warriors.

The Egyptians allege that they were maltreated when they played in Ghana and were given bushy pitches to train on. Al Mehalla also bemoaned a goal they scored that was disallowed by the referee of the first leg some two weeks ago.

The Chief Executive Officer of Asante Kotoko, Herbert Mensah has expressed shock at the allegations but says it is only a ploy to whip up sentiments against Kotoko before Saturday.