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14.07.2012 League Report

Otumfuo To Settle Kotoko - Toure Rift

14.07.2012 LISTEN
By Kwame Asare Boadu - Daily Graphic

As the wedge between Ahmed Toure and the management of Asante Kotoko widens by the day, the owner of the club and Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stepped in, in an effort to solve the impasse amidst speculation that the 24-year-old striker could quit the Ghanaian champions.

The Graphic Sports gathered that the Ivorian striker was scheduled to meet the Asantehene or his representativesThursday, at the Manhyia Palace.

Toure had publicly expressed his displeasure about the manner in which the Kotoko management had treated him and was contemplating quitting the club with about three months left on his contract.

Even though Kotoko management had denied the player’s allegation, insiders revealed that the Asantehene had been moved to intervene because the issues remain unresolved.

The player would not confirm or deny the Manhyia meeting when graphic.com.gh spoke to him.

“I thank you for calling me but I will not talk about my problem with Kotoko,” Toure said on phone.

However, a reliable source told us that the proposed meeting was expected to end the bad blood between Toure and the club’s management.

The Public Relations Officer of Kotoko, Listowell Yesu Bukarson, told graphic.com.gh that he was unaware of any such move by the Asantehene to resolve the impasse. He revealed that Kotoko Chief Executive, Dr K.K. Sarpong had met Toure in the presence of other management members last week in a bid to repair the relationship with the player.

The striker had recently publicly complained about the manner in which the Kotoko management had treated him, in spite of the commitment he had shown to the club.

On various radio stations in Kumasi, Toure accused Coach Maxwell Konadu of treating him badly. For instance, the Ivorian complained that he was relegated to the reserves bench for a number of matches even though he was punctual at training and exhibited fitness.

Following the developments, Toure was rumoured to be planning a move away from the club but the player denied the charge.

Coach Konadu however denied the allegations of the player saying Toure was an important part of Kotoko’s plans for next season.

Konadu, who is also the assistant coach of the Black Stars, insists he has no problems with the player and was therefore surprised at his utterances.

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