Kotoko fans want management out

There were mixed reactions among football fans in the Kumasi metropolis following the official ending of the 2006/2007 Onetouch Premier League on Sunday.

Whilst there were wild jubilation among supporters of Accra Hearts of Oak for the Club emerging as the champions of the League, as well as those of Obuasi AshGold for being the first runners-up and Kumasi King Faisal for narrowly escaping from relegation, the mood of most supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko was however that of disappointment after their idol Club placed third on the table.

The Porcupine Warriors beat Accra Great Olympics 5-3 in their last game at Nkawkaw but the result was not enough to guarantee Kotoko a place in next year's CAF Champions League, a development that some supporters think could see a major shake-up in the team in the coming days.

Speaking to the GNA in Kumasi, Mr Desmond Otuo-Tuffour, a supporter of Kotoko lambasted management of the team for being apathetic towards the total development of the Club.

He accused the management members of advancing their own selfish interest instead of the overall interest of the Club in the discharge of their duties, adding that their stand obviously resulted in Kotoko losing focus at crucial stages of the league.

Mr Otuo-Tuffour, who is also a sports analyst expressed regret that Kotoko had to change as many as four coaches and four venues during this league season and noted that such a development greatly affected the team's consistency and focus.

He therefore advocated a change in management since according to him the institution of a 'results-oriented' one would go a long way in changing the dwindling fortunes of the Club”.

Mr Kwegyir Turkson, Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Chapters Committee (RCC) of Hearts of Oak, commended the playing body, technical team, management and board of the Club for their dedicated service which ensured the team annexed the league title.

He said it was imperative that Hearts won the league at a time the country was commemorating her 50 years of independence anniversary, noting that this, therefore, presents the Club an opportunity to take stock of its past achievements so as to plan effectively for the future.

Mr Turkson cautioned the team against complacency and to work extra hard to boost their chances of winning next year's CAF champion's League after ensuring of their qualification.

Alhaji Rauf Saka, a supporter of King Faisal impressed upon Alhaji Karim Grunsah, founder and bankroller of the Club to explore avenues in getting sponsorship packages for the Club in order to boost its financial base.

He said such a move would enable the Club to continue to fulfill its financial obligations and undertake other development projects to ensure that the Club maintains and sustains its position in the Premier League.

Source: GNA