Asante Kotoko SC are in a crisis mode. After going trophyless after the season ended, the Board of Directors have been dissolved subsequently bringing to an end the tenure of the Management.
There’s little doubt that the Porcupine Warriors are in for another rebuild once their next Board of Directors, Management permanent manager are appointed.
Kotoko are expected to make multiple signings ahead of the new season. But there are specific positions that need upgrading for them to challenge for titles next season.
Right-Back
Augustine Agyapong’s defensive errors and inconsistency has shown Kotoko that they still need a right-back that could compete with him. The quality and price of the signing will need to be a reflection on whether the club are looking for a new starter or someone who can play a squad rotation role; however, it could be argued that Kotoko need to look for a strong signing as Agyapong never looked anywhere near Kotoko’s standards last season.
Centre-Backs
Amongst issues nearly everywhere on the pitch this season, Kotoko have also been very underwhelming in the full-back area. For a position that is so integral in modern football, and with the way Kotoko tried to play, Mubarak Yussif, Sherrif Mohammed, Mohammed Alhassan and Andrews Apau were nowhere near the required standard.
Kotoko must go into the market and scout for two additional centre-backs to complement the efforts of the existing centre-backs.
Defensive Midfielder
It’s been painfully obvious for too long now that Kotoko are crying out for reinforcements in the midfield. Sheriff Mohammed was consistently underwhelming while Justice Blay failed to ever shake off consistent injury troubles and gain a run in the team.
The main issue the Porcupine Warriors face is the luck of an out-and-out defensive midfielder. It’s astonishing that a club of Kotoko’s stature has failed to address this issue for so long but ultimately it is a fundamental problem that has led to even more issues for an already fraught defence.
Kotoko need to look to invest in a strong physical presence here, with an aptitude for defending and sniffing out danger. Good mobility is obviously preferable as well but the club should also focus on seeking someone who is more than comfortable on the ball and a player who can distribute effortlessly. This type of player would likely be a creative controller.
Strikers
The striker role has always been occupied by the best of talents across the years at Kotoko, and this is no different in the just ended season with the arrival of the sensational Ugandan forward Steven dese Mukwala. He scored 11 goals for the Porcupine Warriors in his debut season in Ghana’ elite division.
Although Solomon Sarfo Taylor and most notably George Mfegue are serious options, both players have been utilised in different roles recently, occupying the wings or the number 10 position.
Kotoko can’t afford to solely rely on Mukwala as the main striker next season and should look to bring in some top talent to play alongside the 23-year-old.
Wingers
Although the defence should be the priority for Kotoko, they are also desperately in need of a direct wingers to take on opposition full backs.
Kotoko generally either played a three at the back with five across midfield, or a narrow diamond formation last season. This was purely because they lack any quality wingers. Stephen Amankona and Dickson Afoakwa were the only natural wingers in the team, which is honestly staggering to think.
Amankona was released in the second transfer window making Afoakwa the only winger in the team. The Porcupine Warriors need versatile and incisive wingers with plenty of pace and intensity who can add the much needed width.
