All hail Kotoko, the African club of the century

By David Kyei, Harlingham Park, London

14-15-2010

After much publicity and waiting due postponement, Fabulous Asante Kotoko Fc, has finally been crowned by the much-respected International Federation for Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) as the African Club of the century at a colourful gala in London.

At the durbar where other five continental clubs of the century were honoured for their sterling performance over the last century, the mentioning of Kotoko’s award could be said to be the one that drew the loudest applause in the club of the century category for the simple reason that, the team’s delegation had made so many friends during the interactions section before the start of the gala.

It was therefore not a surprise that out of solidarity for their African new friends, they applauded and cheered on the immaculately suited Ben Nti and Jordan Opoku as the walked to the rostrum to receive the award.

What makes the award to Kotoko a pleasing one is that, though IFFHS holds this gala every year to honour outstanding personalities in football in the year, the club of the century category was the maiden one.

According to the organizers, though the annual awards would continue, the club of the century category would be held in at least the next decade.

Even with that, Kotoko stands a greater chance of successfully defending the award if the team makes a continual appearance and make it to a minimum of quarterfinals from now to the next awards.

In sharp departure from the normal questions the Masters of Ceremonies asked earlier award recipients about their feelings of the awards, they rather chose to ask leader of delegation, Ben Nti, about whether in his opinion, Ghana could win the World Cup.

At his nationalistic best, Ben answered in the affirmative and went on to add that another hopeful candidate could be our western neighbours, Cote d’ivoire.

The events thereof after the presentation were that of photo shoots and the enjoyment of the sumptuous dinner that was served.

In all, eight individual awards, six continental awards and one group award was given out with the details as follows:

Best referee 2009: Mosimo Busacca from Switzerland

Best National team coach: Vincente del Bosque of Spain

Best club side coach: Joseph Guardiola of FC Barcelona

Second best coach: Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United

Third best coach: Jose Mario dos Santos Mourinho Felix of Inter Milan.

Best goalkeeper 2009: Iker Casilas of Real Madrid.

Best play maker: Xavier Hernandez Creus of Barcelona

World Top Scorer: Didier Drogba

Best National league: English Premier league

Continental club of the century category

Africa: Asante Kotoko Fc

Europe: Real Madrid

South America: Club Athletico Penarol (Uruguay)

Central and North America: CD Saprissa San Juande Tibas San

Asia: Al Hilal Riyadh of Saudi Arabia

Oceania: South Melbourne FC (Australia)