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Jerome Otchere writes: Kotoko’s new jersey oozes identity

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Asante Kotoko

Unless King Faisal’s owner, Alhaji Karim Grunsah’s comment on Asante Kotoko’s 2022/23 season’s jersey, which has a watermark image of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is echoing concerns from the hallowed Manhyia Palace, it should be dismissed. Alhaji Grunsah essentially suggested that, imprinting the club’s owner and life patron’s picture on its jersey amounts to a sacrilege. 

Alhaji Grunsah’s views and other radio and social media remarks I’ve seen are interesting. The occupant of the treasured Golden Stool, at any time, is revered. We must first note that. The Ashanti Kingdom has kept its chieftainship and its associated traditions inviolable for over 300 centuries. Some of us – whether Kotoko fans or not; whether or not we are Ashantis would always uphold the well-preserved customs of the Asanteman, which is headed by the Great King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. 

I believe Alhaji Grunsah perhaps wanted to do same. What he however overlooked is Kotoko’s inalienable association with the King, who in principle is Asante Kotoko. In one of his wise admonitions to the club’s Board in August 2013, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated: “Asante Kotoko is me. When you touch Asante Kotoko, it’s me you’re touching” he counseled the then Lawyer, Paul Adu Gyamfi-led Board at their inauguration. 

Respectfully so, if the Asantehene is Asante Kotoko, why can’t the club have his iconic image on its jersey? What’s the desecration? What’s the taboo particularly when it’s his own esteemed property that’s employing remarkable imaginative ways not only to eulogise him but also appreciate his august presence and authority over the club? The Asantehene has total, immutable right to anything Asante Kotoko.

His image has historically been used on various paraphernalia of Kotoko – including the team bus, billboards, magazines, adverts, etc. I recall how fans mobbed club agents when a Kotoko key holder was released 10 years ago with Nana’s image nicely cast on it. For me, the new jersey design is a matter of heritage. It’s about identity. It’s the pride, prestige and origins of Kotoko. We must be proud of our origins.

The NYA-Management for three seasons now has stayed on an apt course to place Asanteman, its colours and identity well within in Kotoko through creative ways. “Otumfuo’s image on Kotoko’s jersey is a perfect blend of heritage and modernisation” says University of Ghana, Museums and Heritage Studies student, Kwame Yeboah.

“The Porcupine, which’s Kotoko’s emblem was adopted by Asantehene, Nana Kofi Osei Tutu in 1701. Then in 1935, the emblem was given to the club by the Asantehene, Nana Sir Agyeman Prempeh as it represented Asanteman’s identity” he explains. In football, it’s alright for a jersey design to stir controversy. It has to be said again, that, Otumfuo’s image on Kotoko’s jersey is excellent. It’s a stony affirmation of Kotoko’s identity.

It depicts the greatness of the club’s ancestries. It speaks to Kotoko’s heritage and uniqueness. No football club in Ghana has rich historical ties with the Asantehene. Generations unborn would be told of it. The design imbibes Nana’s prominence and honourability into the team. It’s a positive artistic work we must adore.

Ghana Football

Asante Kotoko terminates Fatawu Safiu’s contract due to medical failure

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Asante Kotoko SC has officially terminated Abdul Fatawu Safiu's contract due to medical reasons.

A club statement by Asante Kotoko on Monday evening indicates that Abdul Fatawu Safiu’s contract has been terminated due to medical reasons.

According to the Kumasi-based royal club, the former Al-Sinaa SC striker failed a mandatory medical assessment test as required by the Ghana Football Association, following the announcement of his signing on the registration deadline day.

The returnee striker who joined Kotoko from Eleven Wonders in November 2018, ahead of the 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup campaign has been duly informed about the health-related issues which could rule him out for a long period.

Below is a full statement by Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotoko can confirm that it has relieved forward, Abdul Fatawu Safiu due to medical reasons.

Asante Kotoko entered into an employment contract with the player in order to meet registration deadlines as announced by the Ghana Football Association, and had to ensure that the player undergoes the pre-competition medical assessment which is the basic and compulsory requirement by the GFA.

This medical assessment was duly done awaiting further tests. The further assessment by the club’s medical team revealed other health related issues which could rule him out for a long period. The club, after being informed about the situation, concluded that continuing an employment contract with the player would not be of full benefit to both parties – the club and the player. Details of the specific medical condition have been clearly communicated to the player.

It is imperative to note that the GFA has rejected his registration, so keeping him would not be in the best interest of the club and the player, hence the decision to end the relationship.

The club wishes Abdul Fatawu Safiu the very best for the future and wish to assure him that he forever remains one of us, and he is welcome to serve in any capacity in the future.

Signed….

Management.

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Ghana Football

Abdul Fatawu returns to Asante Kotoko on a two-year contract

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The forward stated on the club's website: "I am very excited about this opportunity," he stated with a laugh. "Everyone knows Kotoko is my favourite club, and as a kid, it was my dream to play for Kotoko and achieve that."

Abdul Fatawu Safiu has signed a deal with Kotoko until January 2026.

The NC’s special competition’s best player and top scorer in 2019 returns after spells with Trelleborgs FF and FC Trollhättan in Sweden.

Safiu made his debut for the Kumasi-based royal club in the 2018-2019 season, scoring thirteen goals in sixteen games, including some amazing strikes in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The return of the forward is part of Coach Prosper Narteh’s goal of returning to the CAF Champions League.

The forward stated on the club’s website:

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” he stated.

“Everyone knows Kotoko is my favourite club, and as a kid, it was my dream to play for Kotoko and achieve that.”

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Ghana Football

Asante Kotoko announce signing of Emmanuel Kotei on a three-year deal

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"Kotoko is every player's dream, and mine has finally come true." "Having the opportunity to wear our colours means everything to me as a local boy." He informed the club's journalists.

Asante Kotoko have announced the acquisition of right-back Emmanuel Kotei on a three-year contract from Nsoatreman FC.

The 26-year-old brings Premier League experience from his time with Tamale City.

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The offensive full-back demonstrated his skill and promise while playing for Nsoatreman and Tamale City, appearing in 47 games for both teams since the start of the 2022/23 season.

Kotei, who has been on the club’s scouting team’s radar, is our first addition of the second transfer window.

During his unveiling, the Kumasi native couldn’t contain his joy.

“Kotoko is every player’s dream, and mine has finally come true.” “Having the opportunity to wear our colours means everything to me as a local boy.” He informed the club’s journalists.

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