Mahatma Otoo and Uriah Asante will not make the trip to Kumasi ahead of Sunday’s friendly showdown with rivals Asante Kotoko, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The duo have been given time off following their exploits with the national U-23 team where they helped the Black Meteors win an historic gold medal at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

Otoo, 19, had expressed on Wednesday shortly after returning with the U-23?s of his desire to play this game especially with the venue being in Kumasi where Hearts have had lots of joy in recent times.

He however emphasized in that interview with GHANAsoccernet.com that he will only play if his club wants him to but it appears officials have opted otherwise.

Hearts’ team emplanes to Kumasi later this evening ahead of the first of the two-legged pre-season pre-season friendly organized to raise funds for charity.

The matches are expected to be used by both teams to showcase their new signings ahead the big Premier League kickoff on October 9.

Sunday’s 3pm kickoff will be officiated by Patrick Kojo Kyeremanteng with Eric Owusu Mensah and Ali Musah Plato assisting.

The second leg would be played on October 1st at the Accra Sports Stadium.