Ghana Football
Ogum’s exit signals deeper problems in Kotoko – Jerome Otchere writes

I’m firm in my conviction that the picture painted out there to Asante Kotoko supporters of which I’m proudly and inseparably one isn’t the exact state of affairs. That’s no news as organisations often have difficult times and what’s required of managers then is to resolutely confront the difficulties and solve them.
It’s also nothing new when we express our views on the state of affairs within a setup and we’re met with robust denials, which is fair anyway but not the insults and spurious allegations either targeted at shutting us up or plainly destroying our persona. It’s what it’s and I know such mischief won’t change in this warped, broken world.
It’s no secret that Kotoko needs proper sources of financing not just for the 2022/23 CAF Champions League but to largely remain relevant in the continent’s club competitions whenever its performance back home merits or guarantees participation. If you believe simple minds, you’ll mistake my position on Coach Prosper Ogum’s exit as hatred for Nana Yaw Amponsah his Management and/or the Board.
It can’t be so but with our so-called democratic society slipping deep into a pit, where some people can’t comprehend multi-complex issues, and straightaway takes to insults and insane labelling at the least dissent, being battered with a barrage of uncouth language the moment your views tend to be unpopular shouldn’t be too surprising.
There are pertinent issues. We’ve to cut into the glass shield to take on these issues. Insults won’t change the fundamental issues. Our Board’s present output won’t allow this club to function properly in today’s game. The Management is painfully concerned. Also, the Board differs on certain Management approaches to running the club.
Their conflict and how it harms our progress in the long term isn’t always so visible to some supporters and I say again, the glitzy Management steps we’ve all commended publicly mask the real issues. If some fans don’t see it; I understand them but Kotoko have been here many times. This is no doomsday commentary. It’s what it’s.
Sustainable financing, mass player exodus, finding an equally good replacement, poor player remuneration, ill-financed Africa campaigns, and unresolved petty Board and Management rift persist. Hope doesn’t cure these problems. Workable decisions and actions are what provide solutions to these problems. I say Ogum’s resignation is one manifestation of these deeper, yet-to-be satisfactorily addressed problems. We can’t gloss over them.
The Board and Management must act decisively. Calling and sending text messages to me with ridiculous threats and lies won’t change the fundamental issues I’ve raised. The Board especially must show the way to changing the status quo and Management must stay on common turf with the Board to push the club’s agenda. Mutual respect is necessary in disagreement. We must learn that. I’m not and can’t be on the hate-campaign idle minds are preaching.
Arguing for the right, sustainable means of financing and administering Kotoko to be that club we desire to see in Ghana, Africa and beyond, with better, professional working relations between Board and Management, coaches, players and fans, devoid of upsetting the club’s overriding interest is always my wish. Let’s address the real issues.
Ghana Football
Asante Kotoko to travel on a European training tour in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy ahead of the 2024/25 season

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.
Ghana Football
Frimpong Manso named new head coach of Bibiani Gold Stars

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.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak Board explains why Martin Koopman was hired

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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