Former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Yussif Chibsah, has recently revealed that his move to Hearts of Oak was unexpectedly hijacked by Kotoko's management back in 2003.
Speaking about the incident, Chibsah disclosed that he had initially been approached by Hearts of Oak, and discussions were well underway for a potential transfer to the club.
Recalling the events that unfolded, Chibsah mentioned that he had engaged in positive talks with representatives from Hearts of Oak, including their official, Dr. Sampene, and met with Nii-Ayi Bontey.
The interest shown by Hearts of Oak seemed promising, and he even had the opportunity to visit their training grounds at Ajax Park.
However, unbeknownst to Chibsah, information about his potential move to Hearts of Oak had reached Asante Kotoko's management.
Shortly after his visit to Hearts' training grounds, Chibsah received an unexpected call from a member of Kotoko, Mr. Frank Osei Owusu. The Kotoko representative invited him to meet urgently, and without delay, Chibsah traveled to Asylum Down for the meeting.
"Hearts of Oak showed interest in me first. They had a rep in Accra called Dr Sampene. He brought me to Accra to meet Nii-Ayi Bontey...After talking to Nii-Ayi Bontey we visit Hearts' training grounds at Ajax Park. Not knowing someone has given Kotoko a tipoff.
"So right after I left the training grounds, Kotoko member Mr. Frank Osei Owusu called me...I met him at Asylum Down. They didn't even let me go home first. From the place straight to Kumasi...Bantemahene put a blank cheque on the table and asked me to write any amount. Because he wanted me to play for Kotoko I should write any amount. And I said no, I can't do that. What he has done is enough. He should give me what he thinks I deserve.
“They gave me GH₵50 million," he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah.