Helegbe Et Al To Leave Kotoko

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Kotoko Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani

Ghanaian champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, could soon be hit by the biggest ever exodus of players in a single season if the Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong administration carried through its policy not to put impediments in the way of any player who has a ?good offer? from any foreign club.

The Graphic Sports? investigations have revealed that at least, seven first-choice players are in line for transfer to various clubs both inside and outside the continent, a situation that has caused apprehension among a section of supporters of the club.

Kotoko, who failed to advance to the group stage of the CAF Champions League, are billed to represent Ghana again in Africa?s flagship club competition next season and the supporters fear any mass sale of top players could affect the team?s performance.

But the management says it is determined to bring on board equally good players as replacement for those who are billed to leave.

Dr Ernest Opoku, Director of Public Affairs of Kotoko, told the Graphic Sports yesterday he would not stick his neck out to state the number of players that would leave the club this season.

The club?s management, he noted, had not firmed up any transfer now but would not rule out any such development once the Dr Sarpong-led management was satisfied with the deal.

Dr Opoku argued that it was economically prudent to sell a player whose contract was about to run out, if that player had a good offer rather than wait for him to go free on the expiry of his contract.

For instance, he said, Boakye?s contract with Kotoko would soon ran out and if he had a good offer that would benefit both player and the club, the Kotoko management would not be wrong considering it.

He, however, indicated that whether some players go or not, next season would see a stronger Kotoko which would compete strongly both in the domestic and continental competitions.

He hinted of the return of on-loan striker Yahaha Mohammed from Amidaus Professionals as well as other tried and tested players.

Among players on their way out of the Porcupine Warriors are Richard Mpong, Michael Helegbe, Kofi Nti Boakye, Kwabena Adusei, MIchael Akuffo, Joseph Ochaya and Richard Yeboah.

Mpong is due to travel to Denmark any moment from now to firm up a move to an unnamed Danish club.

An inside source at the Oseikrom club disclosed to the Graphic Sports that the diminutive winger would not undergo trials but travel to Denmark for medicals after which a contract would be signed.

Officials of Egyptian giants, Al Ahli, who are bent on rebuilding the club into a winsome side on the continent, are said to have followed the striking abilities of Boakye and are ready to sign him if he goes through successful medicals.

Our investigations revealed the Porcupine Warriors could reap a colossal sum in the region of $500,000 from the transfer of Mpong and Boakye.

Also joining the North Africa side is Richard Yeboah, who has not enjoyed much playing time this season with the two-time Africa champions.

Attacking midfielders Helegbe and Akuffo could also join the new South Africa bandwagon as Premier League side, Maritzburg United, have moved to bring the two players into their fold in the coming season.

The South African side have expressed interest in the players and are ready to table an offer once Kotoko?s management give them the green light to travel for the medicals.

Ugandan defender Ochaya would also undergo trials with Germany?s Greuther Furth who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season.

The Germans see the lanky Uganda international as key to strengthening their defence as they fight for a return to the top flight German Bundesliga.

Unlike his colleagues, however, Ochaya would undergo trials and medicals before a deal would be sealed.

Also likely to join the train to Africa?s most lucrative league is strong defender Kwabena Adusei who is reportedly being chased by Mamelodi Sundowns.

But in the midst of the fears raised by some of the supporters of the club in Kumasi about the implications of the possible transfers, the question hangs as to whether the management would go ahead to implement its transfer policy.

The club?s executive chairman, Dr Sarpong had persistently drummed home the fact that the interest of the players and the club were very important in deciding on transfers.

Since assuming office some two seasons ago, a number of the club?s top players have found their way to foreign clubs, with Daniel Nii Adjei and Yaw Frimpong joining TP Mazembe of DR Congo last season.

Also transferred last season were striker Ben Acheampong to Angolan side Petro Athletico and Awal Mohammed to Maritzburg United.

Source-Daily Graphic

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