The 2021-22 campaign saw many Asante Kotoko players establish themselves on the domestic stage, while there were also a few that flopped. Moreover, there are multiple players currently who have been lacking game-time or have not been performing to their potential over the last couple of season(s).
Such players either desire a change of environment, manager, system or a new club in itself to turn their career around while they still can. While some are on big wages and find it hard to find clubs that would fit their bill, others lack suitors due to unimpressive performances. Regardless, a change of scenery could inspire them to turn a new leaf.
On that note, let’s take a look at six players who need to leave Kotoko in order to revive their careers.
Solomon Sarfo Taylor
Solomon Sarfo Taylor arrived with a lot of pomp and with the expectation that he could turn into a big player at Kotoko. Following his incredible 2018-19 campaign with Karela United, a lot seemed possible and his move to the Kotoko was expected to be his time to shine on the big stage.
However, as has been the case for many players, Taylor never seemed to shine in the limelight. He lacked the confidence in front of goal under Prosper Ogum, despite being tried out in multiple systems. Additionally, he did not contribute much to the build-up play either.
With the availability of Georges Mfegues, Franck Etouga Mbella and Stephen Mukwala, Taylor’s chances of redeeming himself will be limited. The only way to save his during career is to try his luck elsewhere.
Taylor is a fine runner with the ball and without it. His efficiency up front is also exemplary, especially when he plays alongside another centre-forward, as he did so elegantly with Diawisie Taylor at Karela.
Ibrahim Osman
Another striker out in the cold at his current club without much of a chance of playing.
Some players are just more comfortable being the big fish in a little pond and Osman is one of them, although a loan move to King Faisal last season didn’t exactly get him firing on all cylinders again.
But at 23 he needs regular football and that just isn’t going to happen at Kotoko. King Faisal want to bring him back and that would be a good move for everyone.
Clinton Opoku
Make no mistake, Opoku will be able to hoover up winners’ medals and silverware galore by staying just where he is. But a player of his ability needs space and time to express himself, and at the age of 19 if feels like a waste to have him doing little more than warming Kotoko’s bench.
There is little chance of him breaking into the starting XI anytime soon. A loan move will be of immense help to his development.
Evans Adomako
Talking of players who need to move on, another man who looks like he needs a move away is Evans Adomako. Brought in two seasons, he simply hasn’t lived up to his talent in the red shirt and now looks as though his time at Kotoko could come to an end.
He wasn’t fancied by Mariano Barreto and was also a bit-part player. If he does make his departure from Kotoko ahead of the new season, it will be another wasted talent for Kotoko. Turns out the Ghanaian press were right all along.
Emmanuel Sarkodie
Sarkodie joined the Porcupine Warriors with so much promise. He returned the club’s confidence in him with some great performances in friendlies endearing him to the fans of the club.
Unfortunately, the midfielder could not sustain the pressure that comes along with playing for Kotoko as his performances fizzled out as a result of strings of injuries to the former Nkoranza Warriors skipper.
Sent out on loan to King Faisal, Sarkodie was unavailable for the most of last campaign. Questions about his mental attitude have been asked on more than one occasion, but there appears to be no significant improvement in his overall game.
Emmanuel Keyekeh
Keyekeh arrived with the promise of being Kotoko’s most important player for the next decade, at least.
The former Karela United midfielder was playing exceptional football seasons prior to joining the Porcupine Warriors, and there was genuine excitement over his signing.
But with limited game time and continuous injuries, Keyekeh has failed to cement a place in the first team. An exit could help salvage his dying career.
Credit: kickgh.com
