Soccer News of Thursday, 13 February 2003

Source: Joy Online

King Faisal Poach Kotoko Players

The Founder of King Faisal Football Club, Alhaji Karim Grunsah has officially asked Kumasi Asante Kotoko requesting the services of striker Shilla Alhassan who is reported to be out of contract. Grunsah is reported to have informed Kotoko’s interim management committee of Shilla’s desire to switch camp for the coming season.

The player left Kotoko camp last week for Tamale and has since not returned. However officials of Kotoko’s IMC have intensified their drive to acquire Ben Wilson of King Faisal.

Wilson is still under contract with Faisal. Alhaji Grunsah is proposing a swap deal for Shilla Alhassan but Kotoko will have to add some cash payments for Ben Wilson.

The outspoken King Faisal president is also reported to have held talks with Hamza Mohamed yesterday.

According to JOYonline investigations, the Real Tamale United midfield stars who has intimated his desire to leave Kotoko has accepted preliminary negotiations but is yet to commit his future to King Faisal.

Also on the trail to Faisal is another RTU midfielder, Kwame Abadja who has directed his agent to deal with the Kumasi based club.

However two former Asante Kotoko players, Frank Amankwaah (pictured) and Robert Boateng trained with the porcupine warrior’s Wednesday. The two veterans who once featured for the Black Stars in the 90’s played for King Faisal last season.

Meanwhile, the new coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Abdul Razak held his first training session with the players today.

The training included light exercises intended to keep the muscles of the players in good condition.

But Abdul Razak says training will move into full gear tomorrow when the team will start concentrating on the tactics and technique.

Razak described his going back to Kotoko, a club where he is a legend as a dream come true.