Former Asante Kotoko captain Joseph Hendricks says management must focus on strengthening the squad in order to excel in the CAF Champions League next season.
Hendricks, who captained the Porcupine Warriors in the 2004 Confederations Cup final loss to Hearts of Oak, is sceptical that the current squad can achieve the club’s group stage (money zone) target and believes the squad should be beefed up.
However, Hendricks believes that bringing in experienced players who have competed on a continental level in the past can be a huge benefit to the club.
“It’s critical that Kotoko strengthen their squad for Africa,” he said in an interview with Alfred Takyi Mensah on Onua Sports, adding that “management should ensure that players brought in are familiar with the African terrain in order to cope.”
Kotoko last reached the Champions League group stage in 2006, and they hope to end their drought in the 2022/23 season.
However, Kotoko are currently in disarray as the new season approaches. Prosper Narteh Ogum, the head coach, has resigned. While management appears to have agreed with the decision, the board is adamant and wants Ogum to reverse his decision.
Hendricks expressed hope that the issue will be resolved before the start of the season in September.
Kotoko, who won a record-extending 24th league title last season, will travel to Turkey in August for pre-season training.