Coach Prince Acheampong alias Sabuto is one of the key technical members of Kotoko. Over the weekend, our reporter, Jerome Otchere, caught up with him and the coach among other things spoke on how nice his working experience at Kotoko has been since joining the club late last year.

How will you describe your experience at Kotoko so far?

I have been with the club from the middle of November 2010. It has been almost five months of work and close association with all who matter in the club. I will say the maximum support from the Board of Directors and the Management team, the technical members, the playing body, the supporters and the other stakeholders of the club has been an experience I will cherish for life.

I must admit that it has been a fantastic experience. One that I cannot forget in my career; it’s been great here!

 A cherished experience, I agree. But things aren’t over for you yet? Don’t you agree?

Yes for sure! It’s an unfinished business, you know. I am here to pay my dues to this great club – Kumasi Asante Kotoko – a club I cherish so much. A club into which I was born; you know my dad, Ben Acheampong, also played and coached Kotoko. So it is my time to continue and complete the unfinished work of my father.

Before we look at other issues, tell me, what is the history behind the name Sabuto?

It was given to me by father, who as I have said earlier played for Kotoko and also coached the club. My father’s sons and daughters all have nicknames; so that is mine, Sabuto! It was borrowed from Hungary where my father had his coaching course in the early 1970s. I was born barely 8 months after his coaching course. He gave me that nickname when he returned home.

How well have you related with Coach Bogdan Korak?

Very, very well! Our relationship has been cordial. He has absolute belief and confidence in me. You know that my admirers and the players call me, Tactical. Our relationship has been tactically good! We plan well in advance for matches. I must confess that the relationship between us has been extremely cordial. It has indeed been extended to our families. He is everything to me. He has been shaping and building me to be a great leader in this profession in future. I also correct him when the need arises. He is a great leader and a good listener.

What about the players and other technical members?

The relationship has been great. It is a big family. We are one. We respect each other. The respect for all is supreme. The players have been my source of motivation. They are respectful, disciplined, and supportive to our course! I will say that I am in the safest and most comfortable football family where we have all been working hard to improve on the team’s performance.

What do you think was wrong with Kotoko in the first round of this season?

It was a multifaceted problem. We had some good players but things really did not work to expectation. I came on board late. I cannot say much. However, from what I know as a coach, I will say our problems bordered purely on technical, tactical and psychological grounds. 

Exactly what has changed now? What is actually bringing the good results?

Besides recruiting a host of quality players, we have had ample time, with the total support of the Board of Directors and Management members to plan and strategise as well. We went for a long residential camping during CHAN tournament. We prepared physically, tactically, technically, and psychologically too for the resumption of the league. We played a series of practice matches to fine tune our performance. Psychologically, we brought the players closer to us to re-assure them of our confidence, believing in their ability, to the extent of paying un-announced visits to their houses and also calling on the phone on daily basis.

Looking into next season, do you think Kotoko must recruit new players? And what’s your view on the Don Bortey issue? Not many Kotoko fans want his presence in the team.

Few additions will help take the current team to another level considering our work rate at the moment. It’s been good and progressive. Purposeful reinforcement will be helpful. I am sure that is what will be done but I cannot comment on the Don Bortey issue, because much will depend on my head coach, Bogdan Korak, and the entire leadership of the club.

Where do you think Kotoko will be at the end of this season?

We could not set specific targets immediately because of how things went initially. Our performance was not impressive then. However, personally, second position on the league table should not elude us. Winning the MTN FA Cup looks realistic too. It will be memorable for me if we do that. It has been a tough, dicey competition. I however know that with hard work, determination, commitment, support, we will triumph.

What would you finally tell the millions of Kotoko fans out there?

I thank them for their unflinching support. It’s not been easy but we have been progressive. We are doing our utmost best to support the visionary leadership of Dr K. K. Sarpong. They should keep on praying and supporting us and we promise not to disappoint them.

Brief Profile

Name: Prince Acheampong

Date of Birth: March 20 1973

Marital Status: Married with 3 children

Education & Coaching background

1985-1990: Opoku Ware School

1990-1992 (6th form): Konongo Odumase Sec. Sch:

1992-1995: Wesley Training College

1999-2002: University of Cape Coast (UCC)

Holds a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education (from UCC)

Holds a CAF License B Coaching Certificate

Has played for GIHOC Babies & Industrial United

Nickname: Tactical Sabuto

Favourite Food: Rice & Stew

Favourite Music: Reggae & Hip Pop

Hometown: Bonwire, Ashanti Region