The management of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has in a surprise move announced that virtually all the registered junior players of Kumasi Asante Kotoko are to be loaned out to desiring Premier and First Division clubs.

Kotoko's management members, Messrs Kojo Nyarko and Eric Coffie broke the news to the players and their coaches at a meeting held at the club's secretariat in Kumasi last Tuesday.

According to the two officers, the decision was arrived at to offer the players the needed opportunity to polish up their skills while playing competitive soccer.

The decision affects all the players who have contractual obligations with Kotoko but exclude those recently promoted to the senior side. A new recruitment exercise will soon be embarked upon by the technical handlers to reconstitute a new youth team.

Mr Coffie explained that even though there are very talented players in the youth side, the very stiff competition in the premier side has made it impossible for the players to play actively and competitively.

"While they are on loan to other clubs they would remain Kotoko players and could be recalled anytime their services would be needed. Kotoko would continue to bear their medical bills and pay them their salaries and the decision is purely to prevent a situation where they would go rusty because of the lack of competitive games," explained Mr Coffie.

The players have been given the option of forwarding names of clubs they wish to play for to enable management begin negotiations on their behalf or be offered clubs chosen by management.

Among the affected players are Patrick Dodoo, Usman Mohammed, Yakubu Mahama, Francis Akwafo, Prince Anokye, Yaw Sarpong and goalkeepers Eric Nii Baah and Eric Afrifa.