The head coach of Ashantigold Football Club, Bashiru Hayford, says his side’s participation in the CAF Champions League this year has contributed to the club’s poor showing in the ongoing Premier League as he hailed his players for their 1-1 draw with Dreams FC at the Dawu Stadium last Saturday.

According to him, his side’s attention was divided between getting ready for the continental assignment as well as the local league, adding that he was not surprised that Ashgold kept losing to their opponents, who he argued, had prepared adequately for the top flight competition.

Referring to last Saturday’s drawn game, Coach Bashiru said: “Four draws away is good because every result is God’s wish so I will take it like that. When we were fighting for Africa others were also preparing for the local league so if you come back, and they are beating you it doesn’t mean you are not good”.

“I don’t have a problem at all with the current position on the league log because Leicester City was almost going on relegation, but they came back to win the league so anything can happen and that’s football. I pray that we end the season well and organise ourselves very well for the next season,” he added.

Contrary to speculations that he abandoned his job to take his leave, the outspoken coach stated that he left because he had an opportunity to study abroad but did not abandon the team.

“I did not leave the club as was speculated. I went to study, and that was not a leave. When I was at Kotoko and Medeama I sought permission to go and study, and that has helped to upgrade myself,” he explained.

Hayford joined the Soccer Miners in 2013 after terminating his contract with Medeama SC and helped the club to end their 19- year league title drought last season.