...ARSENAL BRACES UP TOP 4 CHALLENGE
After weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, Berekum Arsenal has finally gained triumphant entry into the elegant Coca Cola Top 4 organised by Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), Following Kumasi Asante Kotokos refusal to take part in the competition.When the latest event was made known to SPACE FM last Sunday in an exclusive interview with the chairman of GHALCA, Mr. J.Y. Appiah, there were spontaneous jubilations in Berekum and its environs.

“The decision to bring Arsenal on board is irrevocable“, he stressed.Kotoko softened its stance with a demand of three hundred million cedis as against their initial demand of four hundred million cedis and 50% of gate proceeds for the home teams among other things. But GHALCA was resolute on its decision not to pay anything beyond one hundred and twenty million cedis.

Earlier, the secretary of Arsenal, Mr.Arhin Takyi had told SPACE FM on phone that he was in Accra to collect a cheque of one hundred and twenty million cedis meant for preparation. He added that Arsenal would justify its inclusion in the competion and eventually end up picking a slot for South Africa.With the current marriage between GHALCA and South Africas Professional League, top two teams in the competition would join their South African counterparts for a special competition in June 2004 in South Africa.

Having gained admission into the competition, another contentoius issue is the venue for the home matches of Arsenal. According to J.Y. Appiah, GHALCA reached an agreement with the sponsors that Kumasi and Accra had be chosen as the venues for all the matches; hence Kumasi would be the home ground of Arsenal.

The multi-million dollar competiton which has the giant soft drinks producers, COCA COLA as the major sponsors would kick off on Sunday 11th January, 2004. Arsenal will lock horns with Liberty professionals at Kumasi sports stadium whilst King Faisal plays as guest to Hearts of Oak at Accra Sports stadium.