THE rude awakening to Ghana's two “elitist” clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak as the Ghana 20008 tournament came around was for them to seek different stadia as Baba Yara and Ohene Djan underwent major facelifts to ensure our preparedness towards hosting the rest of Africa.

The domino effect was there for all to see as the two teams ran helter-skelter with Kotoko playing at Konongo, Cape-Coast and Sunyani with Hearts also failing to find solace at Ho where they first used before going on to taste home-away-from-home at Dansoman and Cape-Coast. This season hasn't been any different for Kotoko as they continue to move to and fro Sunyani to play their home matches. Grapevine sources indicates that the 2-hour journey to Sunyani hasn't gone down well with a section of the players, supporters and some management members who wish something could be done about it. But with the introduction of Kessben FC into the Premiership and their almost completed 18,000 capacity Anane Boateng Stadium at Abramkese, some twenty five minutes away from Kumasi, one is tempted to think that Kotoko has hit a jackpot. Speaking to the CEO of Kessben FC, Randy Abbey, he was unequivocal on the issue. “Our stadium is open to Kotoko on any day. If they want to come over, our arms are wide open. In fact it is open for use for any of the clubs in the Ashanti Region” he said. The 10 million dollar edifice is expected to be completed and officially launched in February but it remains to be seen whether the management of Kotoko will decide to turn to Abramkese for the rest of the first round league matches.