Some former players, fans and commentators have criticized Asante Kotoko’s management for what they perceive as a lack of respect or fair treatment towards captains, suggesting the club’s decision-making process could be improved.
Former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Emmanuel Gyamfi has admonished his former employees to give their long-term servers and captains proper treatment and respect.
According to the former warrior, who also served as a captain of the club, there have been instances where captains were falsely accused and dropped from the team with poor treatment.
Gyamfi speaking in an interview with Ghana Sports Page expressed frustration with how the club has handled these situations, disclosing that the captains are not given the respect, proper treatment or support they deserved from the club.
His reaction follows the club’s decision to part ways with Justice Blay after the 2024/25 season and previous captaincy issues with Felix Annan, Abdul Ganiu Ismael and Danlad Ibrahim.
“I am very surprised with what is going on. For my own, I didn’t deserve it but I was falsely accused. For God being good to me, everyone witnessed what happened. Sometimes, some of us just seek for favors that doesn’t belong to them by using all means and false claims.
“You will be surprised when you listen to my story but I never wanted to speak out or do any press conferences just because I have Kotoko at heart. Although it wasn’t about the team but I wanted to expose the one who was leading us at that time for people to know the truth so that he can leave. But the truth came out later and I was declared clean.
“For someone like Felix Annan, I think they just wanted to drag him out of the team because they don’t like the players who mostly stay for long in the team and they will start accusing you.
“I remember the love that I have for Kotoko in my peak when we got to the money zone in Africa. I had offers from Al Hilal of Sudan and Zesco United but the coach himself had to plead on the management side that he will leave if they decide to let me go and I was convinced to stay because the love I have for Kotoko.
“I tried to stay but I was later tagged with a lot of names but I am a footballer and I tried moving on. I have a strong heart and I also have God in me. For such things, I would advice the leaders to have patience and respect those who serve the club for long and try to offer the person whatever he wants because he can become a legend who can return to work as a coach, management member or whatever.
“I always feel surprised but it has already happened and I will advice the boys to accept whatever the club will tell them and move on,” said Gyamfi.
