Former Asante Kotoko board chairman, Hebert Mensah, has lauded Ernst Middendorp, a former coach of the club, as one of the most outstanding coaches in the history of Ghanaian football.
Mensah commended the German coach’s exceptional technical abilities, citing him as a standout figure who left an indelible mark during his time at Asante Kotoko.
Highlighting Middendorp’s unique approach, Mensah underscored the coach’s unwavering commitment to talent scouting from grassroots levels, a strategy that distinguished him from his peers.
Mensah revealed that Middendorp had implemented a structured program aimed at identifying and nurturing talented players from rural areas. This initiative involved sponsoring their education while providing football training after school hours.
According to Mensah, this system continued to yield positive results for the club even after he and Middendorp had departed.
“In Kotoko, we got someone I still think is one of the best coaches that Ghana has ever had. Ernest Middensorp. You can’t bring Otto Addo and the guys anywhere close to him,” Herbert said on the sidelines of the African Games.
“He went to the schools and villages. He Identifies talents he says we don’t have their type in Europe.”
