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The renowned coach shares his thoughts on what the future possibly holds for the Ghanaian duo in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup
Ghana’s veteran coach JE Sarpong believes that Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold will only complete numbers in continental competitions between clubs next season.
The two sides have been confirmed for the 2020-21 African campaign, receiving the go-ahead from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council following the premature termination of the 2019-20 national league due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kotoko will compete in the Caf Champions League, a ticket normally reserved for Ghana Premier League (GPL) winners, while AshGold plays in the Caf Confederation Cup, a privilege that should have gone to Ghana FA Cup winners under the circumstances. normal. .
“It’s hard to tell the truth in this country. Some years ago, I advised Kotoko to reject Africa and use the money for infrastructure development so that they could venture into Africa the following season, but I didn’t care,” Sarpong told Silver FM. .
“If the opportunity for them to leave has arisen again and the fans are supporting them, we also have to support it.
“But I think they just want to go, participate and come back because, looking at their competitors, like TP Mazembe, Al Ahly and others, [competitors] they are well prepared and their league continues.
“It will be very difficult for Kotoko and Ashanti Gold to make a significant impact because they will not have time to prepare for the competition.”
A host of personalities, including Alhaji Grunsah and Eric Bekoe, have also advised the two clubs not to compete in the continental championships next season due to their long period of inactivity and health concerns from coronavirus.
Kotoko and AshGold have been inactive since March when a national ban was imposed on all sports activities due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Premier League was on the week 15 stage when it was forced to stop.
After three months, the GFA made the decision to end the football term. A new campaign is scheduled to start in October.
Last season, Kotoko and Ashanti similarly represented Ghana in Africa, but their adventure ended in the first round after losses to Etoile Sahel of Tunisia and RS Berkane of Morocco.
