Asante Kotoko has officially announced the sacking of Prosper Ogum, the head coach of the club, as it has been circulating around some of the big media houses in the country earlier on the day.
“Kotoko sack head coach Prosper Ogum” – that was the headline of Ghanaweb around 12 pm.
“Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum on the brink after a disastrous run of form” – this was Ghanasoccernet.com’s headline around the same time.
These two trusted media houses already reported about the club’s decision to part ways with Prosper Ogum Nartey before the club officially communicated to fans and the whole world their decision.
The head coach has failed to keep up with Bibiani Gold Stars and Nations FC in the battle for the title in the last two weeks.
It looks very clear that Asante Kotoko will need a miracle to win the league as things stand.
The club has won just one point in the last available nine, and the next away game is a visit to their perennial foes, Hearts of Oak, in Accra.
Asante Kotoko had looked like the clear favourites for the title since the return of the league but have lost their magical moments and are struggling to put up a fight at the moment.
A 3-0 embarrassing defeat to the relegation-threatened Accra Lions was followed by a 2-0 defeat at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese in the Ashanti Derby on Easter Sunday.
Before these two horrible results, the club struggled in their 1-1 draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi against Bechem United.
Samuel Atta Kumi’s penalty in the 97th minute against Medeama on Easter Sunday was the third consecutive win for Bibiani Gold Stars.
All the available nine points have been won by Frimpong Manso’s Miners in the last three games and it has helped them leave Asante Kotoko far behind.
Second on the log is Nations, who are two points behind the leaders, made light work on Asante Kotoko in the 2-0 win in round 28 and have won 12 points from the available 12 in the last 4 games with an extra three points (from Nsoatreman) added to make it 15.
Prosper Ogum Narteh is the one the club is blaming now after the disastrous run of fun. The club has been down this road before, and the head coach survived because the Patron of the club, Otumfoɔ Osei Tutu II, intervened.
The Porcupine Warriors cannot afford to repeat last season’s embarrassment between rounds 20 to 26 when they failed to win a single game in those games.
It will be the third straight season that the Porcupine Warriors will not win the league, with one of Bibiani Gold Stars and Nations FC set to win it, albeit we cannot rule out Heart of Lions.
Asante Kotoko has 18 points to fight for in the Ghana Premier League and also an MTN FA Cup semi-finals to compete.
Is it appropriate to sack Prosper Ogum Narteh?
This is the big question now! The final decision has been made with the coach being sacked. Nobody knows Asanteman-wura, the owner of the club, the exact role he played in the sacking of Prosper.
With six points behind Bibiani Gold Stars and a visit to them in round 32, Asante Kotoko has done the unthinkable by sacking Prosper.
Sacking a coach with 6 games to end the season is a bit weird but the club has decided to end the marriage.
A home game against Aduana Stars next weekend will be followed by a trip to Hearts of Oak and these fixtures can make or break the club’s season.
The Club’s official statement on Prosper’s departure
“Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has this afternoon parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum.
This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.
We thank Coach Ogum for his dedication and service to the club, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
We urge our supporters to remain calm and continue to support the club during this transition. Further updates will be communicated in due course”.
Prosper’s stats in the PL this season:
• 13 wins
• 8 draws
• 7 defeats
• 4th position
