The performance of Kumasi Asante Kotoko against AshantiGold in the SWAG Cup played last Sunday gave me a lot to think about, a lot to write and a lot to expect.
Perhaps it is too early but coming events they say cast their shadows. I think Duncan will be there by the time the league commences.
I know you will be asking why I captioned this write-up with the phrase 'Duncan's Kotoko'. Don't be, because the gaffer had hinted a few days after his appointment that he would have loved to make some changes in the playing body to suit him. And I think the time has come for me to believe that the tactician will be a delight to watch when the season finally takes off.
I am surely expecting to hear Duncan's comments before matches and after matches. I would like to write Duncan's explanations as to how he beat his opponents as well as how he will accept defeats. I can't wait for the December 20th.
After watching the team in the SWAG Cup clash with the league champions AshGold, I got the impression that Duncan really meant what he said, that he needed to undertake his own recruitment. Yes I understood him. I remember Didi Dramani even supported him by saying that it is the desire if every coach to take charge of his own recruitment. So Duncan is on course that is why I said ‘Duncan's Kotoko’.
The performance of debutantes Osei Agyemang and Edwin Tuffour was very excellent on the day and the new role the gaffer has deployed for Eric Donkor is working Magic. The league will surely be a delight to watch.
Asante Kotoko had eleven free kicks and ten corner kicks. Nine of the free kicks were taken by Eric Donkor, one of which resulted in the goal. All the other kicks posed problems for the AshGold defense and Dabuo was always not comfortable. The corner kicks were expertly taken and I think Donkor must work more on the set pieces to be the Berkham of our time.
The chemistry between Ahmed Adams and Osei Agyemang was just as sumptuous as the good days of Pepe and Sergio Ramos; very cohesive. Ahmed Adams has always been, in my opinion, the best signing of Kotoko last season and his partner is just as serious as he is. Kotoko will surely have a replica of Joseph Hendricks and Isaac Owusu ‘Ninja’ come next season.
Stephen Nyarko was not bad in midfield for the Porcupine Warriors after his wonderful exploits for Wa All Stars in the league last season and Theophilus Nyame is proving a bargain. I wouldn't be surprised if Nyame becomes the 'Andre Ayew' of Asante Kotoko.
Theophilus was articulating perfectly for the Reds in midfield and his partnership with Jackson Owusu was just brilliant. Next season's league will be 'sweat league', just to borrow Alhaji Grusah's words.
The only department of the team which in my opinion should be critically looked at is the attack. Of course Dauda Mohammed is still around to give the Porcupine Warriors the needed sharpness but Kwame Boateng appeared bulky in the game while Bennet Ofori showed signs of not being ready for the red jersey.
Many will argue that the fact that Duncan himself has conducted his own recruitment does not mean he must win the league. That school of thought contends that buying a vehicle and refusing to fuel it will surely mean that you will not get to your destination. So all the other factors of building a winsome side will have to be up to the task to ensure Kotoko annexes the Ghana Premier League trophy.
But listening to the General Manager of the club Opoku Nti after the game, I am tempted to believe that Duncan will have no excuse for the Kotoko family should he fail to win the league next season.
I was not surprised when I heard some of the supporters saying ‘Duncan ahyehyÉ› team no’ meaning Duncan has prepared the team.
I can’t wait to see Duncan come face to face with Kenichi Yatshuhasi in a Kotoko Hearts clash. I can’t wait to John Killa meting Duncan again at Sogakope.
This year’s league will be ‘Sweat League’.
By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter