Coach of Ashantigold Football Club Bashir Hayford has said the club could not purchase the players they had targeted due to financial difficulties.

“The players we initially pencilled down, because of that financial issue we couldn’t get them, so, we had to go in for other new ones. It’s all about money. If you are not ready with cash, you cannot get those boys, but the boys we have now are OK,” he told Class Sports’ Hussein Hassan in an interview.

Although Ashgold admitted they are cash-strapped, they say their financial crisis is being blown out of proportion.

Reports said the financiers of the club, AngloGold Ashanti, were not forthcoming in releasing cash to fund player recruitment and preparations for their clash against MO Bejaia on 14 February.

Bashir Hayford told Class Sports his boys were worried when news broke that the club was facing financial difficulties, but are now settled.

“Well at the moment I think the boys are now settled. It worried them a little, but now they have settled and, so, we don’t talk about finances because it’s a management issue.

“Psychologically, some of them feel their commitment has not been fulfilled, so, sometimes they feel dejected, so, I’m talking to them...…honestly it affected them a little but for the playing body I don’t think it is a worry,” he added.

Ashgold will take on MO Bejaia in the CAF Champions League preliminary stage at the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium on Valentine’s Day.