Players of Asante Kotoko have refused to speak to the media ahead of Sunday’s top of the table clash with Hearts of Oak.

The players whenever called to share their expectations and ginger the club’s support base ahead of the big Ghana derby refuse to answer questions saying officials have barred them from making utterances.

No official reason has been given for the strange gagging of the players which could end up taking the shine away from Sunday’s match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“I can’t speak to you now, the club officials have asked us (players) not to speak to the press until after Sunday’s match,” one Kotoko player told GHANAsoccernet.com.

The Press in advanced leagues is given permission to speak to all departments of a club especially ahead of a big derby game to offer quality sound bites and write-ups to wet appetite of fans so they patronize games.

But clearly, attempts made by the local media to help fill the various stands in Premier League games is made even more difficult with such conduct’s by club officials.