Faisal Coach Deny Kotoko Link

Hans-Dieter Schmidt, coach of new Coca-Cola Top Four Champions, King Faisal, has denied rumours that he is in talks with city rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko for a possible switch into the camp of the league champions.

Kotoko?s current coach, Malik Jabir who previously trained goalkeepers of the senior national team and recently as Technical Director of Asante Kotoko, is reported to be handling the club as a stop-gap measure.

Rumoured talks between Schmidt and Kotoko has suddenly gained currency around the Garden City after Kotoko yielded the Top 4 trophy they won last year to King Faisal, who had a superior goal balance to pip the defending champions.

Speaking from his base in Germany where he is canvassing for a kit sponsorship deal for his club, Hans told the Soccer Express that he is not aware of any talks with Kotoko, reminding all that he still has a contract which runs to the 2005 season with King Faisal.

He said he expects to be joined in Germany by his club Chairman Alhaji Karim Grunsah and the club?s for Managing Director George Amoako today to concluse deals with some marketing companies with which he has very good relationship.

He said the discussions would centre on securing financial and equipment support for the club with mutually beneficial return for the sponsor. "It is a two-way thing. While you are taking you must also be giving something out.

Hans said it was a difficult task but was sure of clinching a deal before he returns to Ghana next week.