Kotoko Will Make Ghana Proud – Dr. Kyei

Premier League giants,  Kumasi Asante Kotoko S.C., would make Ghana proud as it represents the country at the 2019/2020 Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Champions League, the Club’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei  has told THE NEW PUBLISHER.

“We are taking this CAF Champions League very serious and we are going all out to do our best to make the Club and Ghana proud. As a club, we are focused to improve on our performance and we are putting in the necessary logistics to get that done. But apart from our physical and financial efforts, it is God who does everything and I have faith and hope in God that we shall go far and hopefully bring the Cup home.  There is no reason we should not be positive about our chances at the CAF Champions League”, Dr. Kyei noted.

The Kotoko Executive Chairman explained that the Club is working extra hard on all fronts as though victory depends on their physical efforts alone, but also praying to God with a strong faith as if victory solely depends on God.

“Look, there is the God-factor in football. Some call it luck, some call it all sorts of names but I call it the God-factor and I am not shy about it. I am not only praying but as you can see, the Club has beefed up its players with a lot on new signees,  and apart from their skills, fitness and talents on the field  of play, we are working on their composure and mental strength.

“Our new Head Coach,  Kjetil Zachariassen is working very hard with the players and when you gage their passion and love for the team and their level of motivation it all points clearly that we are on the right track so we are believing God that Kotoko would make Ghana proud”, Dr. Kyei added.

On the question of why Asante Kotoko would be playing the CAF Champions League with a team of mostly new players, Dr. Kyei said the players would be a mixed bag.

“It is not true we are entering the game with only new players. It is a mix. We have signed some new players but it does not mean we are fielding them alone. Look, I have been with this Club for the past three years and I can tell you the experience keeps building. We did not just select anyone and sign. We did not just go and bring some try-your-luck players. We did our homework well and brought in tried and tested players. Players we can vogue for and they are from diverse places and backgrounds,” he noted.

When THE NEW PUBLISHER asked the Asante Kotoko Executive Chairman why he was of the opinion, there is a ‘God-factor’ in football, he explained it this way: “Yes, there is the ‘God-factor’ in football. Football is a good thing. It entertains, it creates excitement, it fosters unity, it creates jobs and no one would challenge the fact that God is certainly interested in such a good thing. I have absolutely no regrets relying on God for victory after we have done our parts as humans. We train and prepare as if the game depends on our personal human efforts but we also fast and pray to God as if the victory depends on him.

“The day I would stop believing in God is the day I would have to resign my position. How can I regret for praying. I have heard some people laugh at me that I was captured on camera kneeling down and praying to God for the victory of Kumasi Asante Kotoko. I have no regrets at all praying and I would not stop doing that”, he added.

Asante Kotoko has officially begun intense preparations ahead of the CAF Champions League campaign which begins on August 9.

The Porcupine Warriors have captured some internationals such as Richard Arthur (formerly of Wa All Stars), Alexis Arnoud (Côte d’Ivoire), Godfred Asiamah (Ashantigold), Justice Blay and Bright Enchill (Medeama), Kelvin Andoh, Ampem Dacosta (Karela United) , goalkeeper Kwame Baah and Uganda’s George Abege of Kariobangi Sharks.

The Asante Kotoko Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei is a successful and highly respected businessman with multiple awards for his entrepreneurial achievements.