Coach Zdravko Logarusic and his players are fired up psychologically to deliver success in the 2016/17 Premier League. They will give the clear indication of their intent when they host Liberty Professionals on match day one at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this Sunday.
“We’ve worked hard in the pre-season. Now is the time to show our readiness. I know the expectation is high against Liberty but trust Kotoko for the maximum points” said skipper Amos Frimpong in an interview at press time.
The Porcupine Warriors last won the league in the 2013/14 plus the FA Cup. It was a double. They’ve since been fruitless. They finished second in the 2014/15 season and 5th last season. This time, the Fabulous Boys are determined to reclaim their rightful place.
The playing body has been strengthened with 10 new players. The appointment of Croatian coach, Zdravko Logarusic, who will be assisted by Godwin Ablordey, reinforces Management’s resolve to see Kotoko exceling.
Going by the trial matches – five of them, the discipline seen at Adako Jachie, the eagerness of the players to perform; the prediction of a fruitful season isn’t wrong. Liberty Professionals are in trouble as they would be first to taste Porcupines’ venom.
Kotoko have scored six goals in three trial matches without conceding. That gives hope. The team can score and defend at the same time. Liberty don’t need a prophet to tell them that, they will be in for a tough duel in Kumasi this weekend. Kotoko’s present form foretells a win and past records even vindicate the Porcupines’ clamour for triumph.
Two seasons ago, Kotoko beat the Dansoman Boys 1-0 in Kumasi and recorded a 3-1 win against them at the same venue last season. The Porcupines had lost 0-1 to Aduana Stars on match day six to drop to an unprecedented 16th position on the league table. Their next match was at home to Liberty and they whipped them fairly.
In the second round, Liberty were humbled 2-0 by Kotoko in their backyard. That dominance must continue on Sunday. Coach Zdravko and his team dare not miss this chance. Liberty have on the quiet been recruiting players and characteristic of them, they will come with quality.
It’s important for Kotoko to draw lessons from previous opening matches where they’ve had terrible starts – losing 0-2 against WAFA at Sogakope last season is a quick example. There must be no room for complacency. The team must make an impressive statement on Sunday as the 2016/17 season begins.
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