Soccer News of Tuesday, 15 January 2002

Source: .

Recruitment battle begins

Next seasons recruitment exercise will provide the stage and ring for a number of fights and battles to be waged damn the consequences, and possibly inflame the already storing relationships that exist between certain clubs in the country.

Hearts ambition to keep their hold on the title next year, Kotoko’s pledge and determination to deltrane the champions next season and the Dansoman lads professional way of doing things seem to be the main attractions and factors to keep the transfer market hot and steamy.

Hearts of Oak have made it clear that they would want to still keep the title and by that, they have to revamp their team in the face of possible departure of their fearsome-thee-some –Ishmael Addo, Osei Kuffuor and Charles Taylor.

The three are certainly not going to be part of the Phobian team next year. Amankwah Mireku and Stephen Tetteh could also have, as well as Jacob Nettey.

This harassed the stakes for the former African champions who are at the moment moving heaven and earth to grapple with the financial demands of a big recruitment likely to keep their hopes alive.

Kotoko inspite of their rebuilding objective started three years ago can not foest of a real Fabulous team and those fore have intensified their hunt for some young ones to replace the old porcupines like Nana Frimpong, Shilcla Alhassan, Joe Okyese and Joe Sam.

The likely hold of losing the services of Isaac Oman, Aziz Ansah and Godfred Yeboah has also given the Fabulous Management sleepless nights.

The 3-year old Dansoman Liberty was Professional has for he past two seasons proved a thorn in the flesh of the giants in snatching “Marred” materials.

Determined to tour the team around after satisfying themselves in the premiership, the professionals are currently man-ownering smoothly to artist the traditional clubs.

Connecting on their impressive handling of players which has made the tea attractive to even non-liberty players through the clothing of their players, welfare of players and lately the completion of their splendid ultras modern club house have all pleasant smiles towards their recruitment team.

According to an official of the club a well renown sports medicament, the club is now ready to conquer the national league and more to Africa and plans have gone far to achieve this objective, even though they foresee a tough fight from Hearts and Kotoko.

So far the Dansoman based club have proved front runners in two or three mores feting Hearts and Kotoko to undisclosed three hot players from a neighbouring club.

One player who could turn the wares ashore and swallow up perceived ambitions is Berekum Arsenals John Painstil now with the Black Stars.

Asante Kotoko have made a move for the young former satelites utility player and formally informed the management of Arsenals.

Hearts of Oak have also formally acknowledged their interest and asked for negotiations.

At press time, the chairman of Arsenals, was undecided since according to him Liberty Professionals have also submitted a mouth-watering bid for the same player.

However, from the little interactions with the quiet Arsenals boss, the recent “no-mercy” attitude shown by the Kotoko management over the George Brown case could influence his decision.

A Hearts official who looks hopeful first their chances in snatching John painstri said they are counting on their good relationship with Arsenals.

It is also certain that Hearts of Oaks legal officers have constantly represented Arsenals at the George Brown hearing.

No one could however say whose Liberty fall in, but a reliable source say that the prospect of securing a lucrative foreign deal has been worried out for the player already by the Liberty strongman, quiet, handsome former Hasaasacs player, Sly Tetteh.

In another clash, Hearts of Oak and Liberty are set for a hustle over two Tema Ghapoha stars – Sammy Addo and Sam Hanson.

Even though Hearts also have their eyes on captain Alex Awuah, their interest in Sammy Addo and Sam Hanson if high.

Liberty professionals are also reported to have started negotiations with Ghapoha over the two stars and have even suggested swapping two players in addition to a financial commitment.

Dansoman Liberty Professionals are again set on a collusion course with Asante Kotoko over Hasaccas keeper George Owu.

While Kotoko have formally submitted their bid for the tall, gangling goalie to angreit the services of Osei Boateng and Louis Quainoo, Liberty are said to be eyeing the young enterprising Tano Bofoakwa goalie Alhassan Sulemana