Abanga not for Hearts, Kotoko– Aduana cannot transfer him, Tema Youth have the final say

HEARTS OF Oak and their arch rivals Asante Kotoko seem to be fighting a losing battle in the Kofi Abanga saga following revelations from the camp of the rightful owners of the midfielder, Semereka FC, a Division Two side.

Investigations into the matter on the player who has become the bone of contention between Kotoko and Hearts following controversy surrounding his transfer states that “Even Aduana Stars do not have the right to transfer the player,” Mr. Emmanuel Kyeremeh, CEO of Tema Youth said last Thursday.

Apparently, the former Semreka FC offensive midfielder was transferred to Aduana Stars on condition that the latter will give the former ¢8million annually and cannot be transferred without Semereka's concern.

Revelations from Mr. Kyeremeh, the CEO, who together with Mr. J.Y. Appiah of GHALCA fame and Nana Kwame Nketsia formed Semreka said that the player's contract states that if his future transfer generates controversy, his employers can write for his withdrawal.

“We have written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Players Status Committee for the player's withdrawal following the controversy surrounding his transfer,” Mr. Kyeremeh stated.

He added that, “We have also written to Aduana FC to follow suit, in fact, thy player's card 'A' is in the possession of Semreka as I speak with you now.”

Indications are that his present club, Aduana does not have the right to transfer the player.

The soft-spoken CEO, however, indicated that his influence on the boy notwithstanding, he (Abanga) has the liberty to opt for the club of his choice.

“If he decides to play for Hearts or any club of his choice, we will deal with that club,” Mr. Kyeremeh noted.

Interestingly, Mr. Kyeremeh pointed out that, “I can tell him to settle with Tema Youth-an option he will not hesitate to oblige with but I want to give him the free range to decide where he wants to go.”

Reacting to the high demand for the player's services, He said, “The boy has no exceptional skills, but what I think makes him indispensable is the fact that he knows how, when and where to pass the ball to when he is in possession.”

His high level of ball distribution places him above his compatriots, said Mr. Kyeremeh.

In a related development, a football official has cautioned the young player to turn his back to the two traditional contenders, Hearts and Kotoko.

For the official, playing for any of the two might be attractive but you will always have to fight for a position with three or four players.
He advised that the player should thread with caution regarding the club he wants to play for saying, “For me, playing for a club owned by one person is ideal taking into account the bankrollers commitment to their players.”