As we embark on this agenda of restoring the 4 Africa slots for Ghana, the management of Green Sports Academy would like to congratulate the 2021/22 league champions Asante Kotoko for their splendid feet.
Indeed, your financial investment and proper planning has paid off, however, this achievement brings upon you more responsibility and bigger targets as a club, as you are the sole team representing Ghana at CAF Champions League next season.
The Life Patron of Kotoko, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has always said his joy will be complete if Kotoko wins the CAF champions league trophy, after they last won it some 39years ago. I believe the club’s CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah shares that same vision and knows what to do to make the Life Patron and the fans happy, but it will come with some sacrifices.
12years ago Ghana lost its four slots in the CAF inter-club competition, due to poor performance by clubs from Ghana, not being able to play in the money zone of the CAF champions league. Clubs have also in the past withdrawn from playing in Africa, citing financial constraints.
With this background, I believe the board, management and technical team of Asante Kotoko will need to do the following to present a very formidable team going to Africa:
1. They will need funds to maintain about 80% of their team that won the league to solidify the teamwork.
2. They also need to beef- up the team with very good players who have the potential to help Kotoko conquer Africa.
3. Kotoko need to augment its technical team to bring the best out of their players.
4. Kotoko need to find ways of generating its own internal funds to manage the Operational Task going into Africa.
The club certainly cannot do this alone, the GFA and government need to play an effective role if indeed we want to bring back the love of the game. The GFA and government should support the club in their travels and accommodations, support the club in making sure their home grounds attains CAF standards, and also assist in another operational task that will let Asante Kotoko go far in this year’s competition.
We can do it as a nation, together let us support this agenda of Restoring the 4 Africa slots for Ghana.
By: Ernest Buamah | General Manager, Green Sports Academy
