Hisense offers incentive package for Kotoko opponents

Opponents of Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League (GPL) will have an extra incentive to defeat the 24-time league champions after their new electronics partner, Hisense, announced a GH¢5,000 cash reward for winning goals against the club.

As part of the GH¢3 million electronics partnership agreement between Kotoko and the Chinese multinational electronics manufacturer Hisense Ghana, any player who scores a winning goal against the Porcupine Warriors will receive GH¢5,000.

However, the same amount will be disbursed among the Kotoko playing body if they are able to win or draw the match.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony of the partnership last Saturday in Accra, the Kotoko Chief Executive Officer, Nana Yaw Amponsah, said the incentive was a testament of the belief that Hisense had in the capability of the team.

He said: "Hisense said we believe in Kotoko. We don't think any team can come and score Kotoko, so any opposing player that is able to score a winning goal against Kotoko will get GH¢5,000 but if they are unable to score Kotoko, that money goes to Kotoko".

Commenting on the unusual incentive, former Arsenal striker Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor, who is currently a free agent, said he would have loved to face the Porcupine Warriors because of the money.

Adebayor, who doubles as a brand ambassador of Hisense, said: "It is the first time in my career that I have heard that a team's sponsor is going to pay their opponents to score against them. Right now, I think I have to play against Kotoko."

Explaining why the Chinese company decided to motivate Kotoko's opponents, another brand ambassador of the company said it was part of a plan to improve the quality of matches in the Ghanaian league.

She stressed that although the three points at stake were enough incentive for participating teams, the extra bonus would improve the spectacle of Kotoko games.