James Kwesi Appiah, Head of Sporting Affairs for Asante Kotoko, has offered a calm yet strategic piece of advice to the Porcupine Warriors as they prepare for the much-anticipated Super Clash against Hearts of Oak.
The game, scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Baba Yara Stadium, is expected to draw intense attention and emotions.
Speaking to the media, Kwesi Appiah acknowledged the rivalry’s inherent tension but emphasized the importance of composure for success.
“There is always tension whenever it is Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. Tension will be on the management, supporters, and the players. But how you control the tension helps most of the time,” Appiah said in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com.
Appiah, a former Kotoko player and coach, stressed the need for players to manage pressure on the field to ensure peak performance.
“More especially on the players, because you will be scared while receiving the ball or making a pass when you allow too much pressure to overcome you,” he said.
He added, “I urge them to relax and approach the match without any pressure because you can play very well when you relax.”
The Super Clash is more than just a game—it’s a battle for bragging rights and a chance to climb higher in the Ghana Premier League standings. Currently, Kotoko sits seventh with 18 points, trailing Hearts of Oak, who are sixth with 19 points.
