Accra, April 11, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko's coach, Malik Jabir is poised to force his critics to eat a humble pie as the 2005 Ghana Telecom Premiership commences this Sunday.

The coach guided an almost inexperienced side to annex the One Touch Gala that prelude the season at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra on Sunday, says "I feel vindicated that the new crop of players have what it takes to die for Kotoko after all".

Kotoko won 5-4 on penalties against Obuasi-based AshantiGold. Coach Jabir was apparently referring to critics that questioned his reliance on some unknown players as against the regular side in the build up to the two-day fiesta.

He told the GNA Sports that, "the very boys people criticized when I kept faith with them are those who have made us proud today. In fact, the best is yet to come and I am convinced those critics might have reckoned that I am on top of the situation and know what is best for the team".

The coach said he intends to rely on his relatively young players as against most of the experienced once who have come under intense fire from some of the top hierarchy of the Club for their lack of commitment. The former national star said, "I plan to build upon this great start whilst blending some of the old but committed players for the season".

He expressed conviction that Kotoko would surprise many with a superlative performance this season, adding that, "those who wrote us off would surely be laughing at the wrong side of their mouths because we are determined to disprove the pundits".

"The Porcupine Warriors" would play their first match away to Berekum Arsenals when the league commences this Sunday in a duel the coach believes his charges will come out with a clean sheet. "We can now boast of a robust and energetic team that refuse to give up and with commitment as their hallmark to fight to the brim irrespective of the level of opposition."

He told the GNA Sports that Kotoko would fight for a respectable result at Berekum and build upon it in grand style in their quest to recapture the trophy they lost to the Phobians at the nation's Wembley last Sunday.