Kotoko, Sunderland Sign Deal

Dr. KK Sarpong (Kotoko) and Niall Quinn (Sunderland)

Ghana’s Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Sunderland FC in England have signed a partnership agreement whereby they will combine their positions in Africa and Europe respectively to internationalise each other’s reputation.

Sunderland have built their bridges in Ghana by boasting Ghanaian international players John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan on team sheets.

Kotoko Asante FC are to benefit from Sunderland FC’s experience in football business strategy, according to the deal.

Sunderland released a statement yesterday which details plans to “share coaching and business expertise with the Ghanaian club, offering practical support and advice in youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matters and football business strategy.”

In turn, Sunderland hope to “build and grow its brand” with help on the ground from Kotoko, who they estimate have a following of 8 million people and are “giants” in Ghana and West Africa.

A Kotoko delegation, including Board Chairman Dr K.K. Sarpong, visited Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in April in order to inspect facilities. The visit was said to include “positive discussions” between each team’s managements.

Niall Quinn, Sunderland FC Chairman was grateful to the Kumasi club, known in Ghana as the Porcupine Warriors.

He said, “It was a huge honour to welcome the Kotoko officials to our club and I’m delighted that we have now formalised a partnership agreement with them.

“There’s a tremendous passion for football in Ghana and I see a real synergy with Sunderland in that respect. Football means the world to the people of Ghana and in that respect they are no different to Sunderland fans. There’s an infectious enthusiasm for the game that is wonderful to witness and we are honoured to be working with Kotoko and the Ghanaian people.”

George Forster, Chairman of the Sunderland Supporters Association told DAILY GUIDE SPORTS he and his fans in England were “delighted” that the link the club has to this country can build.

When DAILY GUIDE SPORTS contacted the Kotoko Board Chairman K.K. Sarpong yesterday he refused to comment on the deal.

He indicated that he was in a meeting and will give his impressions about the deal very soon. Other Kotoko officials  were unavailable for further official comment at time of going to press.

By Adam Coe