Owner and Life Patron of Asante Kotoko, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Friday, paid a surprise visit at the club’s training ground.
The team has been back to the Adako Jachie training field in its second week of pre-season for the 2015/16 campaign and preparing for its first game in a SWAG Cup match on Sunday.
Coach David Duncan’s side spent the initial week concentrating on fitness work in the Western Region and the Asantehene decided to visit his team to urge them on to work hard and return to their glory days.
“I’m here today on a visit. Kotoko is the soul of Asanteman. If you decide to play for Kotoko, you ought to have that mind-set that this is a team you love, if not, you find your way out,” Otumfuo opened in a frank address to the team.
“It is true that your game has now become more of the money and that should not be a worry to you. I will personally see to how that is sorted… Both new and existing players will receive their due before the league starts. They [management] have presented a report on it and that is being worked on so you.
The Asantehene urged every member of the team to be diligent in their respective roles and show commitment the Kotoko course.
“With that out, the burden is on you to do your part of the bargain by playing your hearts out to bring laurels,” he continued.
“Remember this is your job, professionally, and not a hobby. You are playing in order to progress and also have it in mind that Kotoko is a big club which has my soul behind it so you need to be committed to the course.
“I get to hear that sometimes some are influenced with money to under-perform. I hear them [and] if you decide to do that, it will go against you. I’m telling you the truth. Whoever does such will be affected. If you know you have no love for the team, leave, And if you love the team and believe it will help your career, be diligent in your roles,” he warned.
Asante Kotoko went trophyless last season and will be expecting to turn things around in the upcoming campaign after beefing up their squad with twelve new recruits.