Following Asante Kotoko’s draw with Bibiani Gold Stars, Obeng Sekyere Benjamin, the second Vice Chairman of the National Circles Council (NCC), expressed doubts about the quality of players on the team.
As defending champions, the Porcupine Warriors dropped two points in the matchday 30 game against Gold Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium.
During the game, Solomon Safo-Taylor scored a well-taken goal for Kotoko, assisted by one of his teammates. However, in the match’s closing stages, Gold Stars’ persistence paid off as former Hearts of Oak striker Abednego Tetteh scored a stoppage-time equalizer.
In response to claims of low attendance at Kotoko’s stadium, the Vice of the National Circles Council (NCC), stated that the team’s poor performance and lack of commitment from the players are the main issues.
He emphasized that the low quality of the team is a major concern for supporters, who want to see high-quality players on the field.
“The problem is that our player’s attitudes are poor and on the day they seem not to be committed,” he told Kumasi-based Akoma FM. Clearly, supporters will not be happy should we continue playing like this. Such performances turn more supporters away.
The NCC Vice also advised that the club should focus on their recruitment process in the upcoming season and ensure that they bring in quality players.
“The quality of our team is low, supporters want to see quality players and I will advise that we must pay critical attention to our recruitment process in the coming season. Anything apart from that will drive more supporters away from attending our matches.
He warned that failure to do so would further discourage supporters from attending matches. He mentioned that the frustration of supporters is evident in the stands, as they voice their displeasure with the team’s performance and lack of results.
“When you are in the stands, you hear the fans voicing out their frustrations that the boys are not good enough to wear the Kotoko jersey. The lack of results confirms their assertion.
The NCC Vice noted that unlike in the past, the team lacks players who take responsibility and drive the team forward. He recommended that the club should prioritize strengthening the quality of the midfield and defense in the next season to improve the team’s performance.
“Gone are the days when you see certain players taking responsibility and driving the team forward but in this team you can’t find one. We should strengthen the quality of our team especially our midfield and the defense in the coming season,” he added.
The stalemate now leave the Reds at the 6th position on the league log with 44 points and will travel to Dawu to face Kotoku Royals in matchday 31.