Asante Kotoko's recent string of poor performances in the Ghana Premier League has left players, including captain Danlad Ibrahim, tossing and turning at night, unable to shake off the weight of their disappointing results.
Describing the situation as "very, very bad," Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the club's downward spiral, which has seen them go winless in their last seven matches and plummet from title contenders to perilously close to the relegation zone.
Tensions escalated earlier in the week when frustrated fans disrupted a training session, demanding the dismissal of Coach Ogum following a series of lackluster performances. Despite the turmoil, club owner Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II convened a crucial meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, urging calm and offering support to the embattled coach.
Acknowledging their responsibility for the team's struggles, Ibrahim issued an apology to the supporters while vowing to turn things around. He revealed the toll the poor results have taken on the players, admitting that many of them have been unable to sleep as they grapple with the desire to restore pride to Asante Kotoko.
He said, "We would first like to apologise to our supporters because we know they don't deserve this type of result and the things that are happening in the team. However, we want to assure them that we will do whatever it takes to turn things around."
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim remains resolute in his commitment to leading the team out of their slump, emphasizing the need for focus, hard work, and a collective effort to effect change.
He added, "It's very, very bad because many of us cannot even sleep, considering what we want to achieve for Asante Kotoko and our careers; these results don't reflect positively upon us as the playing body. We understand that such occurrences come with the job, but all we need to do is to change things around now, focus, and work harder. Otherwise, it might get worse."
As Asante Kotoko prepares to face league leaders Samartex on Sunday, April 21, Ibrahim and his teammates are determined to deliver a performance that will reignite the club's fortunes and alleviate the burden that has kept them awake at night.
