Karela United vs Asante Kotoko: The return of Johnson Smith at Anyinase; How are the gods of the land going to welcome him?

Asante Kotoko interim head coach, Johnson Smith, returns to ‘Nzemaland’ after saying goodbye to them barely two years ago to his former team, both as a player and an Assistant Coach.

Not many would have accepted the offer from Asante Kotoko following how wonderfully Smith was doing with Karela.

But the experienced tactician returns to Kotoko after ten years away from the club, where he had spells with several teams including Karela United.

He signed a two-year deal with the Reds.

Johnson Smith has built his reputation as one of the best gaffers in Ghana in recent times, leading Karela United to the finals of the NC Special Competition.

His stint with Karela afforded Ghana football fraternity to appreciate the likes of Diawisie Taylor, William Opoku Mensah, Soloman Sarfo Taylor, Maxwell Baako and many other players who overwhelmed Ghana football with shimmering type of football.

Not a flamboyant type of gaffer, but he seems to be getting what he wants from his players anytime-a decent and calm persona.

The last time Kotoko visited the venue, three goals were picked from Kotoko’s net by goalkeeper Felix Annan under his watch.

Tomorrow, he returns to the land that provided him the space to flourish to lock horns with his former team, Karela United.

The Anyinase-based club is in the form of their lives-fashion out with staggering display. Currently, leading the League with 22 points.

The home grounds of the Nzema team remain slippery as far as this season is concerned-recording some humiliating results. Invincible thus far.

Nonetheless, Johnson Smith has had amazing time ever since he took over as the stop-gap head coach of the Porcupines after match day four when Maxwell Konadu was fired.

He has added 15 points to the 5 points Maxwell Konadu left for the Reds to sit on the third position with two points as difference existing with the first club.

The blockbuster match is between the unbeatable away team and invincible home team.

But can Johnson Smith apply the brakes on Karela with the likes of Ismail Abdul-Ganiu, Imoro Ibrahim and Samuel Frimpong who are returning to a ground they have has some good time.

Both teams have something to brag about, however, the stipulated 90 minutes will bring the discrepancy between the two sides who are aiming to either extend the lead or leapfrog.

By; Sasu Danquah High Priest.