Former Asante Kotoko skipper, Michael Akuffu, has proposed solutions to restore the excitement and interest in the matches between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Over the years, the enthusiasm surrounding games involving these two historic clubs has significantly diminished, leading to decreased attendance and minimal interest.
The iconic clash, once a dominant topic of discussion, has lost its momentum, with both clubs struggling in recent times.
In an interview with Akoma FM in Kumasi, Michael Akuffo acknowledged the decline and emphasized the need for substantial efforts to rekindle the excitement.
“The level of hype for Kotoko versus Hearts games has dropped significantly. The role of the supporters has diminished, and interest and attendance have drastically declined,” Akuffo stated.
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“You no longer see flags around, and the momentum is very low now. A lot needs to be done to improve the euphoria.”
He suggested that enhancing player-supporter engagement and increasing publicity could help revive the interest.
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“We can improve it by engaging players with supporters and increasing publicity to create more awareness. Taking players to key places and platforms can help create more buzz and publicity. Relying solely on social media for promotion is not enough,” Michael Akuffu proposed.
Akuffo also highlighted the importance of concentration and adherence to the coach’s instructions over current form when it comes to these high-stakes matches.
“It’s not about form when it comes to these two teams. How you play according to your coach’s instructions and your level of concentration is key. If you rely on your form and lose concentration in the game, you will be surprised.”
Asante Kotoko are set to host Hearts of Oak on Sunday, May 26 in the ongoing Ghana Premier League and the clash promises to be a significant fixture following the struggles of the two sides.
While Kotoko sit 10th on the table after 30 matches, their rivals are 12th on the table underscoring the torrid times these two sides are enduring.
Raphael Sarkodie|Akoma Sports|Ghana
