Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum opened up about his disappointment towards criticisms levied against him due to the club’s struggles in the second phase of the Ghana Premier League.
Despite facing jeers from disgruntled supporters following a home loss to Accra Lions, Ogum remains steadfast in improving the team’s performance.
Kotoko have experienced a decline in results lately, losing four of five games since the league resumed, causing them to plunge from second place down to eighth position.
This slump has generated mounting tension among fans, resulting in increased scrutiny aimed at the coaching staff.
During a conversation with Angel FM, Ogum addressed the situation directly, emphasising his commitment to the club despite turning down offers elsewhere. In particular, Ogum cited rejecting a lucrative opportunity from archrivals Hearts of Oak out of loyalty to Kotoko.
He confessed, “I was linked to the Hearts of Oak job; if I wanted to go, I would have done it. They called me, they engaged me. I could have gone. I said ‘no,’ I will not go, and they did not even understand why… It’s all about Kotoko.”
Moreover, Ogum highlighted his professional options both domestically and overseas before rejoining Kotoko last year. Nevertheless, the lure of working under the guidance of club owner Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ultimately swayed his decision.
Ogum recalled, “Before I came to Kotoko, I had a job abroad. I was going, but the great king (Otumfuo Osei Tutu II) advised me not to go and instead join the club.”
Despite experiencing challenges throughout his second tenure with Kotoko, Ogum feels optimistic about potential opportunities post-Kotoko.
With confidence, he declared, “If I depart from Kotoko at the end of the season, I am convinced that I can find another local or international job without difficulty.”
Ogum guided Kotoko to a league championship in the past but stepped down due to a falling out with management. Subsequently, he rejoined the club a year ago when appointed to the Interim Management Committee by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.