Asante Kotoko are entering this year’s prestigious President’s Cup “well prepared and fully focused,” Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene stated at the team’s training grounds, ahead of the clash with rivals Hearts of Oak on July 6 at Accra Sports Stadium.
The annual Cup' match, which is a one-off encounter staged in honour of Ghana’s Republic Day and the sitting president — pits the country’s biggest clubs against each other.
Kotoko, the competition’s record winners with eight titles, will face Hearts of Oak, six-time champions, with supporters offered free entry.
Speaking during a training-ground visit alongside the Kumasi Mayor, who promised a US $200 bonus for each goal scored, Dr Amoakohene said he was confident the Porcupine Warriors would live up to expectations.
They are ready, and from all indications, even if the match were played today, they would make us proud. I want to take this opportunity to thank the technical team for holding the fort and constantly preparing the boys for games of this nature,” the minister said.
Having succumbed to Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas in last year’s edition, Kotoko are eager to reclaim the crown on Sunday.
Ahead of kickoff, Minister Amoakohene and the regional assembly have promised full logistical, moral backing and financial incentives on the table.
“The support we are providing is not just for the players, but also for the technical team. We want them all to feel equally motivated, work together as one unit, and secure victory on Sunday," he added.
The showpiece match is expected to be a key marker of Ghana's commitment to rebuilding domestic football.
By: Pascal Amoah
