Kotoko won’t play big friendlies

Premiership clubs intending to take on Kumasi Asante Kotoko in pre-season friendlies are in for disappointment as the Porcupine Warriors have decided not to play any more high-profile friendlies.

The Operations Manager of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, George Kennedy, disclosed this to the Graphic Sports last Friday when the team paid a courtesy call on their sponsor's, Herbalife at their premises in Accra.

 Kennedy contended that high-profile matches against premiership sides were very competitive and exposed their key players to potential injuries which could put paid to their plans of recapturing the league title even before the season gets underway on February 20.

"We have not said we won't play anymore friendlies, it depends on who we want to play," Mr Kennedy said.

"What we said was that we won't play any more high-profile matches, that means we can play First and Second Division teams but not premier sides.

"We are going to start the league which is more important to us and we are trying to avoid injuries that will come from playing high-profile matches which are played in a very competitive atmosphere.

The former Kotoko player added that he was anticipating a very tough season because teams would be required to play three games in eight days as a result of the delay in starting the season.