Kotoko Suspend Team Manager?

Kumasi, Dec. 6 (Graphic) -- Ahead of their second leg Confederation Cup Final with Hearts of Oak at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Sunday, Asante Kotoko have asked their team manager,Alhaji Yahaya Gibrine,to proceed on leave over an allegation that he revealed certain secrets of the club to Hearts of Oak in the build-up to the first leg match.

Very reliable sources in the club said management could not trust a person like Alhaji Yahaya at such a crucial period when the club was on the verge of making history. The sources alleged that Alhaji Yahaya was caught revealing the colours to be worn by Kotoko in the Accra match to Hearts officials.

Alhaji Yayaha, who is in his sixties, has been a key member in the management of the club for a very long time, and his presence at the bench has always been a source of inspiration to the team.He was not immediately available for his reaction to the allegation.

Meanwhile, Kotoko trained at the Kumasi Stadium yesterday morning, as the coach attempted to correct the rough edges before they tackle Hearts.Determination was written on the faces of the players as they sweated it out in the workout.

Once again William Tiero was at the training grounds but as at the time the Graphic was leaving the Stadium, there was no indication that he was going to train with the team. Coach Hans Dieter Schmidt is reported to have lost interest in Tiero and the player sat at the touchline in his training gear while his colleagues trained on the pitch

Tiero, who joined Kotoko from Liberty Professionals on loan for a season, has been accused by certain elements in the club of lack of love for Kotoko.He has even been linked to Hearts of Oak and this had prompted Kotoko to question his loyalty to the club.

Supporters of Kotoko are planning a big carnival in Kumasi when they win the cup on Sunday.The coach has called for full support for the team at the Stadium on Sunday, reassuring that Kotoko will win the cup.