Posted On Wednesday, 19th June 2013
Asante Kotoko improving partnership relations with Sunderland
By Ameenu Shardow
Asante Kotoko’s fruitful partnership with Sunderland should serve as an eye opener to Ghanaian clubs including rivals Hearts of Oak according to International Relations Manager Kwame Baah-Nuakoh.
The Premier League champions have opened a new chapter in their running partnership agreement with the English club.
Kotoko are working towards receiving logistical, financial and technical support from Sunderland in the commencement of their youth academy by the end of the year.
The Ghanaian giants have already benefited from coaching and administrative exchange programs from the Premier League outfit.
Kotoko are now looking to advance their relationship with Sunderland while also playing a trail-blazing role to open an avenue for other Ghanaian clubs to benefit from a similar partnership.
Baah-Nuakoh – the International Relations Manager for Kotoko feels Ghanaian clubs need to take the opportunity provided by Kotoko to properly market their clubs especially with Hearts of Oak’s rich history, tradition and achievements.
“Kotoko’s relationship with Sunderland is not only good for Kotoko but for all other Ghanaian clubs,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.
“We have taken the lead but then it beholds on the other clubs to also look out for similar international partnership to advance their course.
“Hearts of Oak for instance, I believe have not fully exploited the opportunities presented with their Champions Legaue, Super Cup and Confederations Cup feats.
“It is never too late and they can still do it. More and more clubs all over the world are taking advantage of such opportunities and Ghanaian clubs should not be left out.
“There is a lot to learn and benefit from such partnerships and I hope our Ghanaian clubs can also seize this opportunity and make the most out of it.”
Hearts were reportedly in talks to acquiring a similar partnership with Spanish giants Barcelona but not much has been heard of that bid since the news first broke two years ago.