Can Duncan overcome the pressure?
It is exactly a year ago when supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko called for the immediate signing of former Accra Hearts of Oak technical head, David Duncan, to help arrest the declining fortunes of the porcupine warriors.
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Things were not going well for the club and the appeal for the quick resolution to the club's technical vacancy seemed to have created some kind of division within the Ashanti club, after media reports had suggested that the Manhyia Palace had ordered the re-reinstatement of Mas Ud Didi Dramani, who was ordered by the club's board to proceed on a four-month leave.
But the demand for the new coach was greater and Manhyia could not ignore the popular decision of the National Circles Council (NCC) and their large following. Finally, they gave their blessing to bring in Duncan, despite some earlier compromises in which Manhyia called for the employment of an interim coach to manage the club until issues relating to coach Dramani was dealt with.
There was no doubt that Kotoko who were smarting under the exit of coach Dramani, the man who had led them to back-to back league victories was faced with the daunting task of maintaining their championship form in that year.
In the midst of the struggle, coach Duncan confirmed he was interested in the Kotoko job, but wanted all outstanding issues with Dramani sorted out first. I remember patting the shoulders of Duncan for that kind of principle.
Of course, to a certain section of the followers of the club, there was some wisdom in giving Dramani the chance to redeem himself and possibly reversing the fortunes of the club but in the end due to some few losses, there was not that kind of patience so long as a new person had been found in the person of coach David Duncan.
In fact, the new season saw Aduana Stars beating Kotoko 2 - 1 at Dormaa Ahenkro, then a 1 - 1 draw with Sekondi Hasaacas in Kumasi the following week, followed by two victories over B.A. United in Sunyani and Inter Allies in Kumasi. Then two quick defeats at the hands of Hearts of Oak in Kumasi and Obuasi Ashgold at Len Clay were enough to spark the anger in the supporters who shouted aloud for replacement of Dramani.
Just at that time, Hearts had dismissed Duncan with the Chapters opposing the idea and protesting with street demonstrations. It was an opportune time to draw Duncan into the Kotoko fold, and the confidence reposed in him was so high.
Indeed, the expectation was so high that Duncan was at some point described as the “Messiah”.
To be frank, one of the greatest things Duncan did for Kotoko last season was his magnificent revenge against Hearts in Accra with the backdrop of some news that robbers had broken into their camp at a hotel.
Things that happened in the aftermath of that incredible victory made Duncan stand out as a defender of faith when he defended the fielding of Obed Owusu who had earlier received two yellow cards and was supposedly serving a three-match ban.
In reality, that added to the credibility of Duncan as he stood his ground against all odds to face the Disciplinary Code and rules and regulations of the FA. Hearts earlier won the case against Kotoko for fielding an unqualified player, and that sparked off a strong litigation which brought the Appeals Committee of the GFA coming together to reverse the verdict of the Disciplinary Committee.
All this while, Duncan was behind the wheel that drove Kotoko to victory on the field and at the boardroom. The Kotoko management came riding high for the effort of Duncan and even ended up landing in the Top Four on the league table and for sure that last minute struggle of Hearts of Oak to escape relegation added to the greater belief in Duncan, and at the end of the season all demands of Duncan, to beef up the club with top-notch players, were accepted and approved by the board and management as well as Manhyia.
Considering the big fortune spent on recruitment, how on earth could Kotoko supporters wake up to the fact that their idol club would play five opening matches of the season and earn five points out of 15, and even losing to WAFA and Berekum Chelsea and drawing with Ashgold and Medeama in Kumasi.
I am at a loss as to what is running in the minds of Duncan and for that matter the club, with the largest following in the country. Everybody is wondering what will happen to Kotoko on Sunday at Dormaa Ahenkro against Aduana Stars and the following two challenges against Liberty Professionals in Kumasi and Dreams FC at Dawu.
Kotoko’s struggle in an MTN /FA Cup match against a second division club, A.K Shion FC at the Sunyani Coronation Park, is enough testimony for one to understand why Duncan is hot, and why the supporters would not like him to be in charge on match Day 10 when they meet Accra Hearts of Oak.
The pressure is big, but I want to appeal to Kotoko fans to exercise a little restraint and perhaps find out what is actually affecting their beloved club. Driving away one technical head at the least drawback will not help the club.