Despite the obvious stress that comes with an impromptu venue change as affected by Asante Kotoko in the ongoing Ghana Premier League, coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is not perturbed by the impact that may have on fans.
The Porcupine Warriors were among the Ghana Premier League clubs impacted by the temporary closure of stadiums nationwide due to ongoing renovations.
The temporary closure of Baba Yara Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium, and Cape Coast Stadium by the NSA has displaced Asante Kotoko, requiring the team to identify an alternative home venue.
Asante Kotoko have identified Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi, as its interim home venue during the Baba Yara Stadium refurbishment period.
Speaking exclusively to 3Sports, Prosper Ogum was sure that supporters of the club would follow the team anywhere, regardless of distance, if they continued to impress on the pitch.
“Even though we are going to Obuasi, I know a typical Kotoko supporter who really loves Kotoko will travel and come to Obuasi. If we go to Obuasi and we do well, still these supporters will travel and come there. They don’t care about the distance. Once Kotoko is playing well and Kotoko is winning, wherever you take Kotoko to our supporters will come”.
Ogum expressed concerns about the financial strain on the club resulting from the stadium change, primarily due to anticipated lower attendance figures.
“If we were to play in our own stadium, when it comes to revenue generation, most of the revenue that will be accrued will come to us, but here is the case that I’m very sure where we are going to. Definitely, if we were to play here we would have had more numbers than playing at Obuasi.”
On Sunday, the Porcupines will play host to Young Apostles, the recently promoted side, in their second Ghana Premier League game of the season, as part of match day three fixtures.
Following a dismal home record last season, where the former champions finished as the fourth-worst home team with 30 points, the club’s worst home performing record since the 2014/15 season where they finished as the third worst home performing team with 28 points.
By Rabbi Adu Agyei
