The management of Kumasi Asante Kotoko says it will not allow itself to be distracted by reacting to the rants of Coach David Duncan, who it asked to “step aside” on April 4, 2016 following a string of poor results in the 2015/16 Premier League.
A press release signed by Communications Manager, Kwaku Ahenkorah said, Kotoko would not be provoked to disrespect the directives of its owner and life patron, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei II by issuing responses to the embittered coach.
The press release further said, even though the club would have had a lot to say about the effusions of the coach, churned out on a Kumasi radio station, it found it imperative to respect the Asantehene, which Coach Duncan, by his utterances has disrespected.
“Kotoko would under normal circumstances have a lot to say about his submissions but unlike other clubs, Kotoko is profoundly etched in the rich tradition of the Ashanti Kingdom, which is epitomized by the unwavering obedience, which, everybody associated with the club, carries out directives issued by His Royal Majesty.
“As a result, if Coach Duncan chooses to defy the Great King, management will not be goaded to react” said the press release. The release also reiterated management’s confidence in Board Chairman, Paul Adu Gyamfi, who has been mandated by the Asantehene to find an “amicable solution to the impasse with Coach Duncan”.
While thanking the teeming Kotoko supporters for their unwavering confidence in the team, the press release additionally expressed management’s conviction that, the Porcupines would come out well in their quest to win laurels this season.
Below is the full text of the press release:
Press Release Date: June 6, 2016 Subject: Kotoko Will Not React to Duncan Management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has learnt with regret that Coach David Duncan who has been told to "step aside" from his coaching duties at the club has acted in dissonance with directives from His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II by going ahead to grant a radio interview about his current situation at the club but Kotoko will not react. Kotoko would under normal circumstances have a lot to say about his submissions but unlike other clubs, Kotoko is profoundly etched in the rich tradition of the Ashanti Kingdom which is epitomized by the unwavering obedience, which everybody associated with the club, carries out directives issued by His Royal Majesty. As a result, if Coach Duncan chooses to defy the Great King management will not be goaded to react. Additionally, we have absolute confidence in the capabilities of our board chairman, Lawyer Paul Adu-Gyamfi, who has been mandated by Manhyia to find an amicable solution to the impasse with Coach Duncan. We are of the strongest conviction that the outcome would be in the supreme interest of the club. Management also expresses its gratitude to fans of the club for their patience and support during our turbulent times in the first round. Their unwavering support will be the key ingredient to annexing this season's league diadem. Fabulous, the Greatest! Thank you. Signed Kwaku Ahenkorah Communications Manager