Ghana Football

Jerome Otchere Writes: Thumbs up Hearts of Oak

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2022

Majesty

I don’t hide my Asante Kotoko affinity. I’m proud of it. So, it’s often not expected of me to see any good in rival club, Accra Hearts of Oak. Yet, as a Ghana football journalist, it’s necessary that, I applaud what’s progressive, and that which advances development of clubs and Ghana football as a whole.

It’s why I doff my hat off for the leadership of Hearts of Oak. The Phobians might’ve their unique problems but their infrastructural work to elevate the standards at the club is worthy of commendation. If I’m a Hearts fan, I’ll surely demand results on the pitch but if my over 100-year-old club doesn’t have basic training facilities including hostels and offices for players and staff, I’ll be more disappointed.

Hearts fans must thank Board Chairman, Togbe Afede XIV and his team for the level of work undertaken at Pobiman and Adabraka, where construction of hostels, training pitches and office complex are respectively taking place. Pictures and videos of Hearts’ 34-bedroom hostel have emerged on social media and attracting rave reviews.

First, there’s a well-fitted hostel for senior team players as well as another for players of the junior team, technical members and office staff – all of which are to be handed over soon. Then, there’re four modern training pitches – three with natural grass and the other with an artificial turf. These are also nearing completion.

There’re also volleyball and golf pitches at the same Pobiman development site. The construction of the club’s office complex at Adabraka has reached the second floor according to my checks with Hearts’ Communications Manager, Kwame Opare-Addo. These shouldn’t have been news and notably for a club that’s 100 years+ but it’s exciting news for fans and commentators alike given what the present conditions are for them.

As someone who always talks about standards in club football in Ghana, the news at Hearts excite me. When Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer, Nana Yaw Amponsah, initiated the club’s Adako Jachie project, putting up a host of containers to give players fine avenues to wash down and rest after training, I commended the good work, which unfortunately has stalled for obvious reasons.

Kotoko’s Board/Management must dispassionately look at Adako Jachie issues. Bottlenecks associated with completing the project must be addressed. Now though, Hearts fans must to be on cloud nine. I know so well the difficulties with club football administration in our country but a proper, habitable place for players to live, train and get their jobs professionally done, isn’t too much of any Ghana Premier League side.

Today’s for Hearts. I’ve seen their advert seeking qualified personnel to fill certain administrative offices. That’s also commendable just like the progressive infrastructural works. Togbe Afede XIV and his managers deserve tons of praise for their commitment to lifting the standards at Hearts of Oak. In all, this adds immensely to developing club football in Ghana. Kudos, Phobia!

Related Topics:Asante kotoko Hearts of Oak

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Ghana Football

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

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2024

Majesty

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.

Ghana Football

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

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2024

Majesty

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.”

Ghana Football

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

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2024

Majesty

"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.