But for their triumph in the MTN FA Cup, 2017 certainly would’ve been one of those disappointing years for Kotoko regarding competitive titles.
Looking back from January to December (which has four days more to end), I didn’t see the implementation of any major policy direction; or noticeable, feasible plan by the Dr. Kwame Kyei-led Management.
However, the return to Kotoko Express to the newsstands in January after being off from September 2016, was significant. Yet the Management’s subsequent neglect of what was the club’s official newspaper was mind-boggling. The paper has been off since August.
The resignation of Kotoko Express’ Editor and his deputy, following an embarrassing secret recording by the club’s Administrative Manager at a Management meeting, capped the untidy handling of basic human relations and administrative issues at the club.
The signing of Croatian coach, Zdravko Logarusic was also an important development. His dismissal, which was preceded by the ignoble act of supporters storming the Adako Jachie training ground to prevent him from working, cast a negative slur on Kotoko’s reputation.
The fact that Kotoko was second on the league table at the time Coach Logarusic was sacked, confounded some observers. The poverty of that decision manifested well in the team’s subsequent matches, which interim coaches Frimpong Manso and Godwin Ablordey handled.
That, Dr. Kyei did well by providing funds for player recruitment can’t be disregarded. The Management must as well be praised for the timely signing of Coach Steven Polack, whose late, pragmatic work literally revived Kotoko’s fortunes in the league somewhat.
The July 12 team bus accident at Nkawkaw, which claimed one life was just unfortunate. The perfect handling of that tragedy, meanwhile, gave ample evidence of what loyal professionals at the club can do with the right support. The Kotoko medical team as usual were exceptional.
There were fans who believed that, but for the fatal motor accident, Kotoko could’ve placed well on the league table. You can’t begrudge them because the Porcupines were rising well prior to that incident. Their eventual 5th place finishing with 43 points was the lowest in three seasons.
Kotoko however deserve plaudits for their FA Cup win. It was a very good fight.
Now, player recruitment for the 2017/18 season is ongoing. Already, the vacant Assistant Coach position has been filled. With their CAF Confederation Cup participation starting early 2018, Kotoko’s Management must give fans reasons to believe that, the team has what it takes to compete favourably.
Truth be told, the absence of a definite plan; the skeletal Management, the lack of good corporate and human relations at the top level of the club’s leadership, isn’t winning Kotoko proper favours in the eyes of those who care to pay attention. The Dr. Kyei-led administration must wake up to the reality that, Asante Kotoko deserve far more than the shots they gave it in 2017.
