Kotoko coaches warn against underrating Nania

By Jerome Otchere

Kotoko assistant coaches warned against underrating second tier side Nania FC as they two sides clash in Sunday's Ghana MTN FA Cup final in Accra.

The two deputy coaches Maxwell Konadu and Prince Acheampong say it would be suicidal if the players have the impression that Nania would be mince meat.

The two coaches steered the affairs of the club in the absence of Head Coach Bogdan Korak who returned from Serbia on Thursday.

Speaking toKotoko Express on preparations for the match, Konadu and Acheampong dmitted that Nania FC, regardless of their division one status, have the potential of causing a major upset on Sunday.

“We know Nania has young, talented players. We all know they qualified to the final on merit. We shouldn’t underrate them. If we do that, it will be equal to committing suicide” said Coach Prince Acheampong.

Coach Maxwell Konadu agree more with his colleague. He likewise acknowledged the youthfulness of the Nania FC, “They are a younger side. They will do a lot of running. We do not have to allow them” said the Kotoko new coach who tactfully declined to reveal exactly what strategies they would adopt to win the final match.

“We need to strategise but it is not everything that we can disclose” Coach Maxwell Konadu replied to a question.

“We need to do certain things when the game starts. We are not going to change anything. They play like Liberty. They are full of skill. They play very well. We need to respect them. However, we will not allow them to play their game” Konadu added.

Coach Sabuto on his part opined that Nania FC has nothing to lose. He said they would therefore come fully prepared knowing that losing to Kotoko on that big stage would be no big news – an opinion also shared by Coach Maxwell Konadu. Coach Prince Acheampong further described Sunday’s final as a clash between a vastly experienced team against a young exuberant side.

“They will be naturally disappointed if they lose to Kotoko. Everything aside, we will rely on experience. They on the other hand will with full of confidence. Physically, they will give us a good fight. We will match boot for boot. We then kill their energy with experience, maturity and an effective game plan” said Coach Prince Acheampong.

Asked about the level of cooperation and readiness of the playing body vis-à-vis the cup final, the two coaches expressed deep satisfaction with the response they have received from the playing body with Coach Prince Acheampong indicating his happiness with the high level of discipline and comportment in camp.

Coach Maxwell Konadu on his part maintained that the technical team would settle on a strong tactical plan and team for the big game in Accra.