You are here: HomeOpinionsArticles2015 11 08Article 392769

Sports Features of Sunday, 8 November 2015

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Will Otumfuo Appoint or Maintain?

The Spiritual owner of Asante Kotoko Otumfuo Osei Tutu II The Spiritual owner of Asante Kotoko Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Speculations filled the airwaves as well as the whole country regarding the future of Kumasi Asante Kotoko. Questions arose as to whether the spiritual owner of Premier league giants, Otumfuo will be maintaining the current board and management team of the club, or will be appointing a new man (team) or group for the helms.

One will not be far from right by asking, how and why every season the club have to go through this ritual where we call for the removal of a board, management, coach etc. while mooting for the appointment of a new one. It is said, it is sacrilege for anyone to speak before the Otumfuo on matters concerning Asanteman, so when Samuel Osei Kuffour’s interview with an Accra-based television station, became viral on the eve of Otumfuo’s expected appointments, it was seen as gross disrespect to the Otumfuo. The issue birthed divergent views and opinions, from the general public as to whether the former Ghana international had goofed and thus, whether he needed to render an unqualified apology.

Media reports have it that, Kuffour pleaded with certain prominent people to apologise to the Otumfuo on his behalf; hence that issue has been sorted out.

It must be noted that, a huge section of supporters of the fabulous club (the nickname of Asante Kotoko) showed a level of ecstasy and joy, at the speculation of Osei Kuffour been in line for the helms of the club. The latter’s plans and vision, which he made evident during the interview, resurrected some level of support and affection for the former Bayern legend.

There have been suggestions that Kuffour cannot manage the club because he lacks managerial skills. I believe there are a million and one evidence in this country of people who own conglomerate of companies, but never stepped into the classroom. Such people have employed those with the needed knowledge and managerial acumen, to run their firms. So that issue is a non-starter.

I think Kuffour when appointed, can employ good administrators to manage the club while he acts as the “Chief Supervisor” or “President” of the club. So when, Otumfuo invited both the board and management of the club to deliberate on the past happenings at the club and also sought for the accounts of the club, the board members and management prayed the King for time, so they pieced together the records requested by the Otumfuo.

Prior to the request, the board had conceded their non-performance during the just – ended season but added that during their first season in office, their performance was creditable. They rendered an apology as regards their poor showing during this past season, which the Otumfuo accepted. Otumfuo then asked them to make ready the records by the time he returned from his journey to the United Kingdom.

What I really cannot fathom over the period is why, with the pedigree of Kotoko, the club tends to lack in the areas of administration, finance, player purchase, legalities, etc. I want to suggest that, whoever is appointment or maintained, must run the club professionally by laying down the best of structures, so after their tenure whoever takes over, continues from where the previous left off. Otumfuo must insist that whoever, he tasks to commandeer the affairs of the club must put in place good structures, which will ensure a smooth continuity.

The supporters’ front must be united as well to ensure, a strong force behind the team. They should not only pride themselves as belonging to the club. With this, they can put administrators of the club in check as well as making their opinions known as regards the running of the club.

Selfish and personal gains must be blotted out and players, who have the club at heart and are professional in their work, should be the ones at the club. Winning against Accra Hearts of Oak should not be the yardstick. The aspirations of the club must go beyond the frontiers of this country.

I believe it is the utmost wish and desire of every Kotoko faithful to see the famous fabulous club flying and being among the best on the continent and in the world.

In conclusion, I will pray Otumfuo to choose someone who loves the club and is willing to sacrifice for the club and not those with big egos who cannot see that the club suffers anytime they want to flex their muscles due to a misunderstanding or back biting.

Whoever is appointed must keep a cool head and unite the Kotoko front, and whoever is maintained, must do same

LONG LIVE OTUMFUO!!! FABU, THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!