Three Ivorian players have arrived in Kumasi to start trials with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko as the Porcupine Warriors seek to boost their squad ahead of next season.
Midfielder Kouakou Serge Pacome, defender Banh Ben Adama and striker Blagnon Goue Frederic Noel started training this week.
The Porcupine Warriors swooped to have the Africa Sports trio in their camp after they impressed during a friendly between the two sides in February.
Their journey to Kumasi was a tortuous one because of the political upheaval in the Ivory Coast as they were expected to join the side last week.
With the journey worries behind them, the three players are confident they can impress Serbian coach Bogdan Korak to get a permanent deal with the Porcupine Warriors.
“We are professionals who are determined to move up to the highest pedestal in our career. We are therefore ready to brave any dangerous situation to achieve our goals,†Adama told Kotoko Express.
“Our goal for the period since February has been to join and play for the African club of the century. That is the reason why we took the dangerous path to come to Kumasi.
“Our delay in coming though had a little of influence from the political situation back in our country, was mainly due to the fact that our club was still playing in the continental competition and so we had to stay on and play.
“We unfortunately are out of the competition and so we now have the permission to travel and here we are to train and possibly sign for Kotoko.â€
New Kotoko board chairman Dr. K K Sarpong wants to return the Warriors to the top of African football by signing the best players in the West African sub-region.
The number of Ivorian players in the side will rocket to four players if the three players impress as Ahmed Toure is already a star in the team.
The trio are billed to play in Sunday’s friendly match against Yegoala Stars, a division one side at the Baba Yara Stadium.