Hearts in crucial duel with RTU, Kotoko to walkover Ghapoha
Accra (Greater Accra) 9 March 2000
Within 12 days, resurgent Kumasi Asante Kotoko have annexed three pre-season trophies at the expense of no less teams than Dwarfs, Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak. But last Sunday's victory against Olympics in the finals of the Guinness Gala at the Accra Sports Stadium, could be the sweetest, because it broke a 26-year-old jinx of the club not winning the gala cup.
These victories against the background of a massive recruitment embarked upon by the club's board chairman, Herbert Mensah, has suddenly raised hopes of the otherwise dormant Kotoko fans, some of whom have already made predictions of wining the league.
Despite these achievements, Mr Mensah remains cautious about the club's chances in the national league and has always maintained that he aims at building the team for the future.
However, many connoisseurs are of the view that if the pre-season performance of Kotoko is any thing to go by, then they are likely to dethrone defending champions Accra Hearts of Oak from their three-year reign.
But that determination must start with Ghapoha at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Ghapoha have been a source of worry to Kotoko over the past two seasons and this should be the right time for Kotoko to end the bluff of the Tema lads.
Hearts, unlike Kotoko, are match rusty and lack the men up front to score.
Last season's goal king, Ishmael Addo and the likes of Joe Fameyeh, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour and playmaker Emmanuel Yartey, all who played a significant role in the club, are either on trails with foreign clubs or have secured contracts.
Though the club may have most of its "old" players in camp, the chances of Hearts in this year's league and CAF Champions League would largely depend on the quality of recruitment it makes.
The Phobians, trek to Tamale on Sunday to play Real Tamale United at the Kaladan Park in what is considered the top-most liner as this year's league commences.
Much as Hearts would try to atone for their poor outing against Asante Kotoko, RTU may as well try to revenge a 3-0 defeat by Hearts in their last season's clash at the same venue.
RTU, recently lost two of its key players--Shilla Alhassan and Stephen Oduro-- to Kotoko and this, coupled with the fact that some section of the supporters are calling for the resignation of the club's executive for mismanagement, could affect the team's fighting spirit in Sunday's clash.
Hearts, who are bent on winning the league for the fourth time running may capitalise on this to snatch the maximum three points from the Tamale boys.
In-form Great Olympics would welcome Obuasi Goldfields at the Accra Sports Stadium. Olympics, runner up of the gala, would be making amends for their failure to win the gala competition.
Okwawu United play host to new entrants B. A. United at the Nkawkaw Park, Power F/C travel to Dawu as guest of Dawu Youngsters, while Sekondi Hasaacas would "baptise" yet another new entrant, Kwaebibirem at Asuom.
Bofoakwa clash with Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs at the Sunyani Coronation Park and on Saturday, Liberty Professional would welcome Kumasi-based King Faisal at the Accra Sports Stadium.
GRi../