KOTOKO STATEMENT: 11-man team departs Accra for DC United clash, club awaits remaining contingent to fulfill game
Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko have issued a statement regarding their Capital City Africa friendly against DC United on Saturday.
Kotoko’s victory in the Democracy Cup game over Hearts of Oak activated their involvement in the match against the American side to mark the Ghana Tourism Week in the USA.
Capital City Africa Cup 2024: DC United to host Kotoko October 12
However, reports of an incomplete squad for the game has engulfed the trip for the Porcupine Warriors with most fans urging the club to boycott the game.
FootyGhana sources revealed that Kotoko had acquired visas for only seven players of the team with a chunk of their playing body, having their visa applications rejected on Friday, October 4.
However, the club decided to embark on the trip and several suggestions were made to fill the unavailable number of players for the game.
According to local media sources, a continngent from Medeama, forming a joint team with Kotoko for the game was allegedly suggested by the Ghana Football Association and it was rejected by the Reds.
Furthermore, some selected Ghanaian-born academy players based in the USA would be added to the seven-player Kotoko contingent for the match and again, the club rejected that move.
Now in an ultimatum-based statement, the club has asked the organisers of the game to secure visas for their players before Thursday for the game.
The Statement:
Asante Kotoko SC wishes to update our valued supporters, stakeholders, and the general public on the club’s preparations for the upcoming Capital City Africa Cup, set to take place in Washington, D.C. on October 12, 2024.
We are very aware of the concerns raised by our fans regarding the current visa situation, which has affected the timely departure of the full team.
These concerns are legitimate, and the Club understands the unease surrounding our participation under these circumstances.
We want to assure our fans that we are carefully monitoring the situation to ensure the best possible outcome for Asante Kotoko SC.
The event organizers have provided strong assurances that they are working diligently to resolve the visa issues for the remaining members of our team.
Ultimatum
According to their commitments, the outstanding visas will be secured by Thursday night, October 10, 2024, ahead of the scheduled match on Saturday.
At this time, the first group of players, consisting of Mohammed Camara, Abdulhamid Esmat, Justice Blay, Samba O’Neil, Emmanuel Antwi, Elvis Kyei Baffour, and Abdulrahman Yoouef Yagoub, along with assistant coach David Ocloo, goalkeeper’s coach Najahu Issah, and team manager Henry Ohene Brenya, will depart Ghana today.
This contingent will be led by head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, ensuring that initial preparations for the tournament can proceed.
We are anticipating that the next group of players and officials will join them by Friday if the organizers fulfil their commitments.
While we remain hopeful that all matters will be resolved promptly, it is important to note that our continued participation depends on the successful fulfillment of the organizers’ assurances, and a total boycott from the match, should we be unsuccessful in securing visas for the rest of the contingent. The management will act in the best interests of Asante Kotoko SC, and any decisions made will reflect our commitment to upholding the values and integrity of the club.
We deeply appreciate the loyalty and understanding of our fans during this time and will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
Signed,
IMC.
October 9, 2024
