Hearts, Kotoko will bounce back — Ex-Prez Kufuor

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has backed the resolve by bitter rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, to recover from their struggles in the First Capital Plus Premier League.

According to the former Kotoko board chairman, a combination of good management and a competent recruitment policy will ensure that the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup finalists, who are currently placed fifth (Kotoko) and 10th (Hearts) in the league, reclaim their former glory.

"Life is up and downs, perhaps Kotoko is not in the best of times now but you should not forget that Kotoko is not rivalled by any team in this country in terms of championships," the former President told the Graphic Sports yesterday at his residence in Accra when he received an official invitation to attend Stephen Appiah’s testimomial.

"Kotoko has been so many times champions in Ghana and in Africa; you can't talk of the best three or four clubs in Africa without Kotoko. Kotoko, if it's not shining now, I believe will bounce back and I hope it would be sooner rather than later," he added.

The former President also tipped Hearts to continue their fine continental form by eliminating Esperance from the CAF Confederation Cup.

"Naturally, whether we like it or not, nationalism features so we pray Hearts will pull through. Hearts, like Kotoko, is not having the best of times; I don't know whether it's age but the good thing with football clubs is that with good management they can recruit youngsters to revitalise the clubs."

He noted that modern soccer was a lot more about vigour and energy and, therefore, tasked the management of both clubs to ensure a blend between youth and experience.