By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 22-09-11

Some of Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s new players are likely to be fielded in this Sunday’s charity match against arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kotoko Express has learnt from the club’s Head of Scouting, Malik Jabir.

The experienced technical handler in an interview after Wednesday’s training session, said the new players have so far been impressive and that some of them would certainly have a place in the team that would line up against Hearts of Oak. Malik Jabir however did not mention names saying that there was the need to leave that out because the necessary thing is to concentrate on the work at the training ground.

Although it is a friendly match aimed at raising funds to support the two clubs and of course the activities of the organisers, ‘Come to My Aid International’, a Christian NGO, hostilities on the field of play will not be anything different from what has often been in all Kotoko-Hearts games.

And in preparing the Porcupines ahead of this charity game, Malik Jabir has been working alongside Reserve Team coach, Sarfo Castro in the absence of Head Coach Maxwell Konadu.

Malik Jabir said he could not divulge much information on Kotoko’s game plan for Sunday. He was however quick to reveal that the players are in good condition to perform to expectation. The Porcupines were expected to play KFC in a preparatory match at Adako Jachie on Thursday afternoon, two days after engaging themselves in training matches.

Malik said yesterday’s game was to offer them a deeper insight into the readiness of the players after which the technical would pick a strong side for the charity encounter.

“We are really on the way” stated Malik Jabir. “All the players are faring well. We are impressed but we need to look at our game against Kumawuman first. I can say however that some of the new players will be in the team. They are good and have been playing well”.

Asked whether the new players would have the temperament to perform to expectation given the nature of Kotoko-Hearts matches and the fact that they would be new to the atmosphere, Malik Jabir argued that all the players are aware of what it takes to perform against Hearts of Oak.

“They have all played against Hearts at the various teams that they came from” said the technical man. When Kotoko Express however pointed out to him that the new players might have well played Hearts at their previous clubs but not in Asante Kotoko jerseys Malik maintained that the players have the skill, strength and ability to play and given maximum support and encouragement, they would not be disappointing.

“They have what it takes to perform. They have played Hearts at their various teams. What will make the situation different here, and also count for them will be the support they will be given. We need to encourage them, rally behind them. When the supporters do that they will give their best and all of us will be victorious” Malik ended.