Ghana Football
Dr Prosper Ogum finally bids farewell to Asante Kotoko
Former Asante Kotoko coach, Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has finally written a farewell message to chronicle his journey at Kotoko and to thank the fabulous family for the opportunity to lead the club.
Dr Ogum tendered in his resignation letter on Monday after several weeks of back and forth over a misunderstanding with management of the club.
It is widely reported in the local media that the University of Cape Coast Lecturer resigned as a results of disrespect on the part of the management of the club who failed to render him the needed support, interference in player selections and acrued unpaid wages.
However, management of the club have since remained silent on the allegations as they continue to recruit new players ahead of the new season, pending the announcement of a substantive coach as Abdulai Gazelle takes charge of the pre-season training in Accra.
Below is the full text of Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum’s Farewell and Thank You Message to Asante Kotoko
My journey at kotoko was short lived but the varied experience during this period will always remain dear. The passion, warmth and love I was welcomed with made me feel at home. Indeed, my dream of becoming a kotoko coach, which I constantly told my students, had come to reality. Though enthused about joining one of the biggest clubs in Africa, I knew I was brought there for a reason. The mission was to deliver.
Our journey, as a team, met some obstacles when we lost some matches and missed out trophies, but we continually enjoyed the unflinching support of the fabulous family and soared. The backing of our supporters over memorable wins at Dormaa, Tarkwa and Sogakope made us feel like champions. Our efforts were crowned with winning the Ghana Premier League after eight (8) years making Kotoko the best club for the season.
Taking Kotoko to Africa and defending the league trophy was my aim, but it is regrettable that I must leave midstream. I believe my depature is for the best interest of the Club.
I extend my warmest appreciation to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Board and Management of the Club for the opportunity, belief and trust reposed in me and my team and made my dream a reality. To the Technical and Medical Team, the Legends as well as the Playing Body, I am most grateful for your support.
To the supporters, I doff my hat to you. You truely stood with me and sincerely inspired me. I have always felt loved, cherished, and valued. Your passion for the club was my inspiration. If any action of mine caused any pain,
I am sorry. You are and will remain family! Truthfully, I am humbled and hope our paths cross again.
Ghana Football
GFA fines Kotoko GHC 80k for property destruction at Dr Kwame Kyei Complex
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
Ghana Football
Maxwell Konadu released from hospital
Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman FC, has been released from the hospital following an attack by Bofoakwa Tano fans.
The incident occurred on Sunday, following Nsoatreman FC’s 1-1 tie with Bofoakwa Tano in Week 11 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
Konadu was rendered unconscious during the assault and was taken to Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
According to a club release, the former Black Stars assistant coach has been fired.
“Our coach Maxwell Konadu has been discharged from the hospital. We thank everyone who said a prayer for our coach during these difficult moments. Efiri Tete Amanaso,” a statement from Nsoatreman FC said on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of one individual engaged in Maxwell Konadu’s attack and beating.
The police are also on the lookout for another suspect who is presently on the run.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, which serves as Bofoakwa Tano’s home stadium.
Meanwhile, in the matchday 12 games this weekend at Nana Kronmansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions.