Sunderland seal partnership with Ghana giants Asante Kotoko

Stadium of Light, Sunderland

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Sunderland have announced a partnership agreement with Ghana giants Asante Kotoko.

According to the Wearsiders, the spirit of the pact allows them to share coaching and business expertise with the Porcupine Warriors, offer practical support and advice in youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matters, as well as football business strategy.

“Kotoko in turn will work closely with Sunderland to help the club build and grow its brand in the emerging African territory,” the club’s official website added.

The announcement comes on the heels of an April visit of Kotoko officials to the Stadium of Light, where the Ghanaian delegation toured the Black Cats’ facilities and met with the management.
 
“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,” Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn stated.

“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.”

In the past season Ghanaian trio, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan played for Sunderland, but only the latter remains at the club, since the other two left at the end of their loan spells.

The Kumasi-based club are former African champions and are currently going through a great deal of restructuring to return to their former glory days.