Kotoko management react to media reports

The management of Asante Kotoko have released a press statement clarifying recent doubts and issues about the situation of the Ghanaian Champions.

The under-fire Samuel Opoku Nti-led management has in a setting-the-record-straight manner explained all the major issues from perceived mass player sales, to the Adako-Jachie Project and the state of sponsorship agreements and their plans for the up-coming 2014/15 football season.

Read below the full Press Release:

The attention of management has been drawn to some media reports which are creating erroneous impressions about Asante Kotoko Sporting Club. The perpetrators of such misleading stories can only be said to be mischievous, malicious and ill-motivated. The stories are only meant to tarnish the image of Kotoko and the General Manager in particular.

Instead of acknowledging efforts of the Board, the Management, the General Manager, the Technical Team and the Playing Body, they have resorted to half-truths and sometimes lies aimed at running the club down. In as much as we would want to remain focused and treat these falsehoods with the contempt it deserves, we feel obliged to come out with facts for our numerous supporters to know the true state of our dear club – Asante Kotoko and focus on the big and enormous task ahead of us all.

KWABENA ADUSEI

We would want to place on record that management did all it could to renew the contract of the player. Kwabena Adusei initially demanded GH?120000 for a two (2) year contract with Kotoko. After several meetings and deliberations, the club and the player agreed on a three (3) year contract worth GH?90000.

As per our agreement with all other players, GH?30,000 was supposed to be paid every year. Just as we were waiting for Kwabena to pick his cheque, he surprisingly demanded GH?45000 affront before signing the contract. That notwithstanding, efforts were being made to find Kwabena Adusei the amount he had demanded.

To our utter shock and dismay we realized Kwabena Adusei had traveled to South Africa. All efforts to get Kwabena Adusei to pick the GH?45000 cheque and sign the contract have since proved futile. For anybody to suggest that efforts were not made is simply misleading.

SALIFU MORO

Salifu is a member of the Kotoko second team. We would want to state emphatically that, Salifu was never part of the team which travelled to Switzerland. For anybody to suggest he travelled to Switzerland and was sold to a club in Portugal can never be considered as a matter of fact.

The player rather participated in a tournament organized in Ghana involving the national U-17, Asokwa Deportivo and the Kotoko youth team. He was spotted by one of the scouts and he proceeded on trails in Portugal. Salifu remains a player of Kotoko and only engaged in trials.

PLAYER EXODUS

Management would like to place on record that Kotoko has never been hit by player exodus and the target set by his majesty remains the target of the club. Seidu Bancey and to some extent Abdul Aziz are the only players who have officially been transferred by the club.

Michael Akuffo’s deal has not been completed. He is expected to train with team as soon as possible while waiting for confirmation from the club he wants to play for. On Godfred Asante, the player has returned to Ghana after undergoing trials in Czech Republic. By this, it would not make sense for anyone to suggest there is mass exodus in Kotoko.

SPONSORS

Kinapharma, IEI and RLG left with previous management. The status of African Origin is still unclear even though the club remains very open. Latex foam, Mama Vits, MTN, Budget Cash and Carry, Everpure remain the club’s sponsors. The club is in contact with Fidelity Bank for the renewal of its contract with negotiations going very well. The current management has also secured sponsorship with Supabets.

ADAKO JACKIE PROJECT

MTN has demanded a well-documented account on how much has been spent on the project so far. Even though there were problems as a result of improper project management, the club is in the process of gathering all available documents to present to MTN to enable the project continue successfully.

RECRUITMENT AND PRESEASON

Asante Kotoko – being clearly conscious of the task ahead this year has embarked on a decent recruitment that will meet the expectation of the rank and file of the club. The team is expected to be stronger than it was last season. Effective pre-season activities have been lined up by the technical team.

The club is on the verge of signing a deal that will bring a reputable Spanish La Liga side to Kumasi – the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for an international friendly at a set date. The General Manager on behalf of the Board, the Management, the Technical Team and Playing Body remain focused.

We will not be distracted by any unscrupulous publications. We therefore urge supporters to remain steadfast and support the team to glory. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!

Signed:

Acting General Manager

Opoku Nti