Management of Kumasi based Asante Kotoko, have released a statement assuring their fan base that all issues surrounding the issuance of visas to their playing body for their game against DC United will be soon be resolved.
Asante Kotoko, is scheduled to play in the Capital City Africa Cup against DC United on Saturday, 12th October 2024 at the Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
However, reports have emerged that Asante Kotoko will have to partner with Medeama SC in order to raise a team to face DC United as most of their playing body are yet to secure their visa for the game.
Earlier today, it was reported that only seven (7) players of Asante Kotoko have been able to secure their visa alongside some technical team members.
Mohammed Camara, Abdulhamid Esmat, Justice Blay, Samba O’Neil, Emmanuel Antwi, Elvis Kyei Baffour, and Abdulrahman Yoouef Yagoub are the seven (7) along with assistant coach David Ocloo, goalkeeper’s coach Najahu Issah, and team manager Henry Ohene Brenya are the first group of players and technical team members that have secured visas for the game.
The statement released by Asante Kotoko indicates that, organizers of the game have assured them that they will secure the outstanding visas by Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The Capital City Africa Cup is part of the activities celebrating Ghana Week DC 2024, which runs from October 7 to 12.
Management of Asante Kotoko, urged their fan base to remain united and supportive, and to trust in the efforts made by the club and the organizers of the game to secure the outstanding visas.
Bellow is the full club statement.
Asante Kotoko SC wishes to update our valued supporters, stakeholders, and the general public on the club’s preparations for the upcoming Capital City Africa Cup, set to take place in Washington, D.C. on October 12, 2024.
We are very aware of the concerns raised by our fans regarding the current visa situation, which has affected the timely departure of the full team. These concerns are legitimate, and the Club understands the unease surrounding our participation under these circumstances. We want to assure our fans that we are carefully monitoring the situation to ensure the best possible outcome for Asante Kotoko SC.
The event organizers have provided strong assurances that they are working diligently to resolve the visa issues for the remaining members of our team. According to their commitments, the outstanding visas will be secured by Thursday night, October 10, 2024, ahead of the scheduled match on Saturday.
At this time, the first group of players, consisting of Mohammed Camara, Abdulhamid Esmat, Justice Blay, Samba O’Neil, Emmanuel Antwi, Elvis Kyei Baffour, and Abdulrahman Yoouef Yagoub, along with assistant coach David Ocloo, goalkeeper’s coach Najahu Issah, and team manager Henry Ohene Brenya, will depart Ghana today. This contingent will be led by head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, ensuring that initial preparations for the tournament can proceed. We are anticipating that the next group of players and officials will join them by Friday if the organizers fulfil their commitments.
While we remain hopeful that all matters will be resolved promptly, it is important to note that our continued participation depends on the successful fulfillment of the organizers’ assurances, and a total boycott from the match, should we be unsuccessful in securing visas for the rest of the contingent. The management will act in the best interests of Asante Kotoko SC, and any decisions made will reflect our commitment to upholding the values and integrity of the club.
We deeply appreciate the loyalty and understanding of our fans during this time and will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
