On January 24, 1971, Asante Kotoko wrote their name in the history books. They attained the African Clubs Championship (now known as the CAF Champions League).
The tournament was indeed a 1970 Championship but the Porcupine Warriors were at the pinnacle of Africa’s most prestigious club competition. They had bested TP Englebert of Zaire, now DR Congo 3-2 after two eventful legs with a number of their players bred locally.
The victory promised better things to come for the Kumasi-based outfit. It bore fruit in 1983 with yet another championship whilst dominating the local league.
The stars were aligned for continental dominance to go with their huge success on the local scene but in present day, they have failed to go the latter stages of continental showcases.
In their attempt to get back to the top, the management of Asante Kotoko dug deep into their pockets to recruit a number of stars from other countries for exorbitant fees. The target, get back into the CAF inter-club competitions and dominate.
Some stars like Sogne Yacouba performed admirably and Naby Keita has proved to be a decent addition but for every good foreigner they signed, the management purchased many more who in simple terms, were not good enough.
The likes of Alex Arnold Didi, Moussa Adingra, Dany Zabo Teguy, Sylla Vie Mohammed were all brought in from different countries to help Kotoko’s mighty cause but have failed miserably.
We cannot forget the exploits of the mighty George Abege, a forward who became a laughing stock for fans. All these signings were made in the last three years without a proper focus on youth and local stars.
The results have triggered a change in tune from the Manhyia Palace. The chief of staff, Kofi Badu recently announced that they will rather be focusing on local talents more and sign big players less.
"Talented footballers in and around the Ashanti Region to get the chance to showcase their talent so they are recruited into Asante Kotoko," he told Oyerepa FM.
"The frequent purchase of 'big names' is to be a thing of the past, only on exceptional cases."
In the coaching department, CK Akonnor showed huge promise, leading the Porcupine Warriors to NC Special competition tier 1 triumph. His tactical brilliance also led to a CAF Confederation Cup group stage appearance for his men, their first since 2008.
The management of the club still chose to let the former Black Stars coach go despite his exploits and chose Kjetil Zachariassen as his successor, a decision they lived to regret during his four month tenure.
The recall of Maxwell Konadu, a manager that led them to league success in 2012 is a good move but he needs the full confidence of stakeholders and the right pieces to succeed.
In searching for the right pieces, youth comes to mind, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and patron of the club seems to agree after placing a one year ban on the new board and management of the club from making further signings.
“Kotoko management are not allowed to sign a new player for the first team for one year and that is an order by the club patron,” Kofi Badu told the media.
“Our new management would be tasked to look at the youth team and develop it to reach the elite standards instead of buying from other teams.”
In their three year mandate, the board has also been asked to build a new stadium for the club and set up a women’s team.
“No doubt the Baba Yara Stadium has been a useful home for Kotoko and will continue to be so. However, going forward, it makes economic sense for the club to own its stadium even if some category of matches will continue to be played at the national stadium,” Kofi Badu stated.
"Kotoko has the task now of responding to FIFA’s directive to open its doors women’s football," he added.
The philosophy looks clear. The increased focus of local players, the development of youth, getting a new stadium and introducing a women’s team.
The task will be no doubt a difficult one but that is the new direction of all stakeholders involved to make the team greater than others in the continent.