By Geraldine Duodu
Serbian trainer Bogdan Korak has vowed to whip Ghana giants Asante Kotoko into shape after arriving to a tumultuous welcome in Kumasi on Saturday.
Hundreds of fans of the Porcupine Warriors in Accra were at the airport on Friday night when the tactician touched down in Ghana to start his job with the two-time African champions.
The 51-year, who is a former assistant coach of the Serbian national team will be joined a physical trainer Vladimir Cepzanovic, also a Serb.
The move is meant to fortify the club's backroom staff as the new board chairman K. K. Sarpong seeks to return the club to the top of African football.
Korak arrived in Kumasi with Mr. Sarpong and management member Kwame Baah Nuakoh on Saturday to meet the owner of the club , the Asantehene, and to finalise terms of the contract before meeting the fans.
He will travel with the team to watch their crucial league match against champions Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday.
"I played for Murcia in Spain which uses the colour red and also Red Star Belgrade so I like this team very much," Korak exclusively told Ghanasoccernet.com, in his first media interview since landing the post.
"My physical trainer will come on Tuesday and then work will begin if we sort out everything. We will make Kotoko kings of African football again."
New Kotoko board chairman K. K. Sarpong has taken swift action to return the Porcupine Warriors to the top of African football by sweeping changes in the club.
Local football agency Epaphras Sports Consults helped Kotoko to strike a deal with the former Serbia national team assistant coach.
''It's still early days yet but I'm confident this coach can do well,†Epaphras CEO Benedict Yaw Sarpong told Ghanasoccernet.com
"His CV tells a lot but there work to do and he’s also told me about his plans and I’m impressed."
Kotoko currently lie fifth in the standings after nine matches with one game in hand.