Asante Kotoko Head Coach,Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has attributed the club’s dip in form to player injuries.
According to the gaffer, Kotoko’s last win at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium was against Bibiani Goldstars in a five goals thriller, suggesting how tough it has become for the club to earn points.
An attempt to end that trend turned a nightmare as a 10-man Berekum Chelsea team stunned the Porcupine Warriors 1-0 on Sunday in a Ghana Premier League (GPL) match week 30.
Speaking after the game, Coach Narteh said every opponent playing Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium comes appear very strong and well prepared to fight for a points.
“When playing at home, you need to have some urgency, but this time around I don’t know what has happened.It is difficult to pinpoint what the problem is but immediately, you can attribute to the number of injuries that has rocked the team.”
“We have injuries in the team and that has been a headache for now. When you play without certain players that are key to your system, it affects you and that is what is beginning to affect us.”
But in spite of the injuries, Dr Narteh was hopeful that Kotoko’s fortunes can turn around if their strikers, especially Frank Etouga Mbella rediscovers his scoring form, having missed a series of goal scoring opportunities.
Coach Narteh dismissed claims that the player Mbella’s confidence has taken a dip following the two penalty misses against Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium recently.
“I have been engaging him during training sessions; I always tell him to be focused.Missing two penalties in a game does not mean he is out of form.It even happens to world class players.
“I encourage him to forget about the missed opportunities and move on. He is leading the Goal king chart so it can’t the end of the road for him. He must start fighting to stay in contention till the final day.
He called on the club’s fans to rally behind the team as the league enters the finals stages.
“What we need now is for the supporters to rally behind us.We need their support in this difficult times when all is not well. That is what can boost our morale to bounce back.
“This is part of football. In one breath you can be the club every fan wants to watch but the moment it changes, you become a public enemy.”
He expressed the club’s supportfor Richmond Lamptey for the suspension for his role in the infamous Kotoko and Inter Allies game”
BY EMMANUEL ASANTE
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