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Jerome Otchere writes: Welcome, Coach Seydou Zerbo

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Former Asante Kotoko coach, Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, with the backing of the Board and Management, regardless of any pitfalls he had, distinguished himself. He took the path of some first-time Kotoko coaches to win the Ghana Premier League (GPL) with historic victories that wrapped the hearts of many Kotoko fans in joyfulness. 

New trainer Seydou Zerbo would not alone continue from where Ogum left but also write his history, hopefully, in indelible, fabulous ink. Anxiousness and disappointment filled supporters’ rank when Ogum quit. That disappointing news notwithstanding, there was every need to patiently wait for the naming of a new coach. 

With Ogum’s thanksgiving note arriving last week, it was inevitable that this week would birth his replacement, especially as the pre-season work enters the final lap. The team heads to Sudan, not Turkey, as earlier announced, chiefly because of complications with securing necessary travel documents to the European country. 

Sudan is equally good as it brings memories of the club’s trip to the North African state 14 years ago when there was a similar pre-season visit, which preceded our 2007/08 season league title triumph. It’s expected that all goes well and that our return would usher Coach Zerbo and his charges into a blissful season. 

A season where we would survive the usual odds, battle familiar foes to reaffirm our status as the best. A season where our sojourn in Africa would be prolonged, seeing us represent Ghana well in the CAF Champions League. A season in which fans would contribute meaningfully to every good work. A season where coaches and players would perform to achieve their targets.  

I welcome 59-year-old Coach Zerbo with the conviction that he’s here to add to our successes. The former Stallions coach might find this terrain new but not so different from his native Burkina Faso. He’s in the sub region. He must feel at home and deliver to satisfaction. As a former RC Kadiogo coach, our opponent in next month’s CAF Champions League qulifier, his coming is opportune.

Those who fear the language barrier shouldn’t be too apprehensive because no matter what, football has its distinct language. In fact, where necessary, Management would know how to mitigate English handicap he may have. We should be pleased that he’s French, and combined with any amount of English he speaks, neither our French players nor home-based players would be alienated.

It’s hoped that his knowledge and experience would impact the team, and results on the pitch would vindicate Management’s decision. Meanwhile, we must be reminded of this: For all football teams, big changes in the playing body and the technical team have their advantages, and they’ve their downsides too.

Whichever of the attendant developments associated with changing and chopping teams we expereince, and the time, exercising patience and rendering maximum support, will always be important. Let’s throw our weight behind the new coach and the team as we expect the best from everyone.

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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