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Jerome Otchere Writes: The Ogum confusion and more

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I make concessions. I’m not shy to do that. On hindsight, my tweets right after news of Asante Kotoko coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum’s purported resignation was ill-timed. Fans were shocked and upset. They needed something soothing, something reassuring, not opinions projecting the undercurrents leading to the confusion. I’m very sorry. 

This is the admittance I make to those pointing to me that, I could’ve been circumspect. Ill-mannered folks bent on denigrating me must be ignored. Criticisms that, I didn’t have to provoke supporters just when the coach’s so-called exit was announced are fair. 

We should be sober then, discerning minds must calmly watch developments in the club; it wouldn’t be difficult to understand the import of my wrongly-timed tweet, which essentially said, beneath the shine of Nana Yaw Amponsah (NYA)’s undisputed fine Kotoko works, is an unpleasant situation that that needs attention. 

This view I shared, admittedly at a mistaken time, arises out of my resolution to dispassionately look at issues. It’s not NYA hate. We’ve to be open-minded. I’ve applauded NYA publicly on his transformational work, for example, the conscious attempt to place Kotoko on sound financial footing thorough sponsorship. 

He’s repositioning the club on the minds of supporters, through exceptional social media interaction, stellar team performance this season, arduous fan mobilisation for funds and so on. But, certain things beneath these would undermine NYA’s fantastic work. 

We’ve to think to see. We shouldn’t be deceived. Underneath NYA’s glittering work, are matters that have always hurt Kotoko and if not addressed, would hurt more in no time. Disaffection within Board-Management, and the technical team, as seen in Ogum’s case this week have all been there. Is this why some fans think I want NYA to fail? No. 

What happened this week, sounds warning bells for the club’s leadership to act. The Board must be united and firm. In Manhyia Palace’s notice, heralding their appointment, the buck stops with them. In fact, in corporate governance practices, which the Palace insisted on, this week’s developments are unhealthy for progress. 

The tension has been building up to this week. We must douse it properly. Now, whether or not Ogum resigned is immaterial. Whether elements within us rushed to broadcast his departure also doesn’t matter. If the Board’s latest posture amounts to a behindhand public relations step, so be it! Calm is necessary. So are peace and unity. 

Management must know that criticism isn’t hatred. NYA must know that for some of us it’s simply the passion for Kotoko – not the ridiculous hate-agenda being bandied. I’ve no time for that. I may hold views which could be wrong but it’s not hate. My heart has productive things to consume in these depressive times of the world. 

To me, Ogum’s return seems unrealistic. The under-tides that birthed this week’s confusion and how we handled it, calls for deeper assessment and forward-looking decisions, not schemes to make Ogum, Management or the Board look nice. It’s Kotoko that must be made to look good all the time. 

We should’ve been planning by now; the Africa campaign, GPL title defence and so on. But, here we’ve a self-inflicted pain, resulting from bottled matters but which must now be confronted and addressed behind the outside niceties. Firm, united leadership is needed now to deal with the things that matter to spare fans more anguish.

Source: Jeromeotchere.com

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Ghana Football

Asante Kotoko to travel on a European training tour in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy ahead of the 2024/25 season

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The official announcement of this exciting initiative took held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, showcasing the club's dedication to quality and worldwide competitiveness. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko faces an early challenge as they prepare for the season's first Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. On Sunday, the highly anticipated match will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Asante Kotoko has announced ambitious plans for a training tour of Europe beginning on July 15, 2024, in preparation for the 2024/25 season.

During the club’s training tour in Italy, the Porcupines will work with famed Italian sides Genoa and Atalanta to fine-tune their abilities and plans.

Following the Italian leg, Asante Kotoko will take their training journey to Germany and Switzerland, presenting the squad with a variety of challenges and exposures as they prepare for the forthcoming season. The extensive training programme is intended to improve team performance and create team togetherness.

The official announcement of this exciting initiative was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, showcasing the club’s dedication to quality and worldwide competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko faces an early challenge as they prepare for the season’s first Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. On Sunday, the highly anticipated match will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium.

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Ghana Football

Frimpong Manso named new head coach of Bibiani Gold Stars

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Following the club's dismal start to the season, the seasoned manager will attempt to turn things around. After 13 games in the Ghana Premier League this season, the team has 12 points, putting them in the relegation zone. Frimpong Manso's first matchday 13 game is this weekend against FC Samartex 1996. Manso recently parted ways with newly promoted team Bofoakwa Tano, after joining them at the start of the season. Following an exciting start to the 2023-24 season, the former Ghana international defender was named coach of the month for September.

Bibiani Gold Stars of the Ghana Premier League have announced the hiring of Frimpong Manso as their new head coach.

The Asante Kotoko legend succeeds Michael Osei, who was given the door following a bad run of performances in the current 2023/24 season.

The Miners confirmed Manso’s employment via a social media post for the remainder of the season, with an option to extend.

Following the club’s dismal start to the season, the seasoned manager will attempt to turn things around.

After 13 games in the Ghana Premier League this season, the team has 12 points, putting them in the relegation zone.

Frimpong Manso’s first matchday 13 game is this weekend against FC Samartex 1996.

Manso recently parted ways with newly promoted team Bofoakwa Tano, after joining them at the start of the season.

Following an exciting start to the 2023-24 season, the former Ghana international defender was named coach of the month for September.

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Ghana Football

Hearts of Oak Board explains why Martin Koopman was hired

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Koopman won two games and scored six goals in ten Ghana Premier League appearances. Fans have criticised the club's leadership, with some asking for their dismissal. However, Dr Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, Alhaji Akanbi, and Vincent Sowah-Odotei explained why Koopman was selected at a news conference on Monday.

Hearts of Oak board members have spoken out over Martin Koopman’s appointment.

The Dutch manager was named head coach of the Ghana Premier League team before the start of the current 2023/24 season.

However, following a rocky start, the club severed ways with the 67-year-old after only four months in command.

Koopman won two games and scored six goals in ten Ghana Premier League appearances.

Fans have criticised the club’s leadership, with some asking for their dismissal.

However, Dr Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, Alhaji Akanbi, and Vincent Sowah-Odotei explained why Koopman was selected at a news conference on Monday.

“We went in for Martin Koopman because we were looking for a coach with maturity and a coach with experience. He came up on top of the list of coaches before he was hired” they said.

Hearts of Oak lost 1-0 against Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League on matchday 12 after being eliminated from the MTN FA Cup.

The Phobians will want to get back on track when they meet Asante Kotoko in the matchday 13 games on Sunday, December 10.

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