By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 01-07-11

Two times they have met this season and in both instances Berekum Chelsea toppled Kumasi Asante Kotoko, but not this time!

As the technical handlers of Kotoko put their preparation for the President’s Cup match into higher motion this week, their aim was to get the team into the right form and as the team left Kumasi for Accra, the coaches and players were in no doubt about their readiness and confidence to battle the uncrowned league champions to victory.

Whether the formidable Chelsea side will easily give up without a stern challenge remains the big question. Until this season, when the Berekum side beat Kotoko both at home and away, the Porcupines have regularly triumphed over their opponents even on away ground.

A different script was however written this season as Chelsea humiliated then a spineless Kotoko team in Kumasi in November 2010 before recording a double win at Berekum in January this year.

Kotoko had the chance of revenging at least one of the losses though not on a league platform, however, their pull out of the SWAG Cup match canceled that good chance.

Before then, Kotoko fans had relished a date with the Berekum team in the MTN FA Cup competition. Again, however, Berekum Chelsea’s inability to beat Division One side, Nania FC in the semi final of that competition ended that dream final clash.

But how long will football enthusiasts and Kotoko supporters in particular be denied an opportunity to redeem their seemingly battered image in the hands of the young Premier league team?

The time fortunately has come and Coach Bogdan Korak and his charges cannot afford to break the hearts of their loyal fans.

A number of things combine to make the upcoming game a must watch. These are the two best teams in the country at the moment. Berekum Chelsea were the star performers in the just ended Glo Premier League whereas Asante Kotoko defied all odds to maintain their dignity. To add to that, Kotoko are somewhat on revenge mission while Chelsea are not ready to surrender cheaply.

The two clubs already have had their Gh˘10,000 appearance fee. The winner, according to organisers of the game will take home a giant trophy and Gh˘5,000 whereas the loser receives Gh˘2,500.

They will also be given medals. Besides the fairly good offers at stake are the pride and reputation especially of Asante Kotoko who have suffered at the hands of Berekum Chelsea this season.

Republic Day, July 1, is a holiday which means attendance could be high. Trust Kotoko fans to be everywhere at the stadium. Chelsea fans – if there will be genuinely any at the stadium; predictably will be dwarfed by their Kotoko colleagues.

Accra has usually favoured Kotoko and Chelsea in that regard has no desirable tale to tell. A win thus looks likely for Kotoko on that score.

Player for player, Chelsea’s quality scares any premier league side but that of Kotoko has also been enviable. Awal Mohammed and Michael Akuffu – two fantastic performers in the Kotoko setup will miss today’s game.  Kotoko handlers however say they have capable replacements.

The likely changes in Coach Bogdan Korak’s team will therefore be seen much in defence and midfield where Awal Mohammed and Michael Akuffu feature prominently. With Yaw Frimpong, Sabato Mohammed, Prince Anokye, Ohene Brenya, John Kuffour and Ofosu Appiah all in good form, Coach Korak will not find it hard in deciding on who his rearguards will be.

Nii Adjei, Samed Oppong, Frank Boateng, Albert Bruce and the evergreen Stephen Oduro all have the wherewithal to keep the game clean in midfield.

In attack, Nathaniel Asamoah’s condition may not give him a starting place yet in Ahmed Toure alone, Kotoko has a lethal weapon. The venom Kotoko’s attack spews nowadays is deadly! Berekum Chelsea better watch out for no matter their strength Kotoko are poised to turn the tables.