Kotoko set to dazzle South Africa in Vodacom Challenge cup
Hearts labels match with Kotoko ‘moment of truth’
Accra (Greater Accra) 04 July 2002 - Barely two months after ending South Africa’s dreams in the African Cup Winners Cup, Kumasi Asante Kotoko look primed to endear themselves to the Rainbow football-mad nation in the Vodacom Challenge Cup.
Against South African giants, Orlando Pirates, Kaiser Chiefs and Lupopo FC of Congo DR the Porcupines Warriors will seek to take the famous kudu horn trophy away from South Africa for the first time as well as enhance their bank account by $50,000. It also offers Kotoko a chance to contribute to the ongoing battle against AIDS, which forms an integral part of this year’s competition.
Should they succeed, Kotoko will have gone one step than they did last year when they took second place behind Chiefs. Unlike last year when Kotoko had to play the tournament and the league with two different teams, they can field the best side there is after the opening of their premier league second round was pushed back from this Sunday.
It allows Kotoko to confront this year’s challenge at full strength and are as such keen to impress. According to Chief Executive, Herbert Mensah, “Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs are great clubs especially at home. We respect this but we are not overawed.”
Aside it’s sporting appeal, the competition offers Kotoko an opportunity to earn some good money. Herbert says: “The Vodacom Cup offers Kotoko a chance to not only show where we have reached in our current reconstruction process but also ensure that we benefit from the participation fee of $30,000.
Kotoko’s assignment begins this Saturday when they engage last year’s winner Kaiser Chiefs in the opening game. It will be a repeat of last year’s final and how sweet revenge would be for Kotoko. If that can be achieved then all Kotoko will do will be to beat the winner of the Lupopo-Pirates clash on 14 July to write another page in the club’s illustrious history.
GRi…/
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Accra (Greater Accra) 04 July 2002 - Accra Hearts of Oak has labelled their encounter with Asante Kotoko in the second round of the Premiership as the “moment of truth.” This declaration, according to management was largely influenced by the club’s stance that the stalemate in Kumasi did not reflect the truth of play.
A statement signed by Mr Ashford Tetteh Oku, Administrative Manager of the club, said Hearts will win the league for the sixth consecutive time. Another side to the drama is the return of the predators- three times goal king Ishmael Addo, and Emmanue Osei Kuffour, who are likely to partner Charles Taylor and Don Bortey to a rendition of the previous years’ feat.
GRi…/
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