Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting that interim head coach Prince Yaw Owusu has left the club without notice, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.
Speculation had intensified yesterday following the coach’s absence from the team’s training session, with sections of the media alleging that he had vacated his residence and abandoned his role.
The rumours gained traction quickly, especially given the team’s recent struggles on the pitch, prompting concern among supporters and observers of the club.
Some reports had claimed that “Asante Kotoko’s interim head coach, Prince Owusu, has reportedly vacated the team’s residence after packing his belongings and was absent from today’s training session.”
However, the club has moved swiftly to shut down those assertions, insisting that the situation has been misrepresented.
In an official communication, the Kumasi-based side clarified that management was fully aware of the coach’s whereabouts and circumstances surrounding his absence.
“The club wishes to firmly debunk rumours suggesting that Interim Head Coach Prince Yaw Owusu has left the team’s camp without notice.”
Asante Kotoko statement
Absence Explained as Family Bereavement
Kotoko went further to explain that Owusu’s absence was due to personal reasons, specifically an urgent family matter tied to bereavement.
The club emphasized that due process was followed, with the coach seeking and receiving permission before stepping away temporarily.
“These claims are untrue. Prince duly sought permission from management to attend to urgent family matters as he continues to mourn the passing of his beloved mother.”
Asante Kotoko
This clarification aims to restore calm and reinforce the club’s stance that there has been no breach of professionalism or breakdown in communication between the coach and management.
The head coach is expected to rejoin the team promptly, with the club confirming that his return to Kumasi is imminent. His temporary absence, they insist, should not be misconstrued as a resignation or abandonment of duty.
“He is expected to return to Kumasi this morning and any further updates or decisions will be officially communicated in due course.”
Asante Kotoko
Pressure Mounts After Poor Results
While the club has addressed the speculation, the timing of the rumours has not been coincidental.
They come on the back of a difficult run of results for the Porcupine Warriors, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Medeama SC over the weekend.
That loss has intensified scrutiny on the technical direction of the team, with questions emerging about consistency and performance levels.
Since taking over following the departure of Abdul Karim Zito in February, Owusu has endured a challenging spell.
In eight league matches under his leadership, Kotoko have recorded just two wins, alongside two draws and four defeats. Particularly concerning for fans has been the back-to-back losses against FC Samartex 1996 and Medeama, results that have dented momentum and raised doubts about the team’s title credentials.
Despite these setbacks, Kotoko remain within reach of the top positions, currently sitting sixth on the Ghana Premier League table with 43 points after 29 matches. However, expectations remain high at a club of Kotoko’s stature, where sustained poor form often leads to heightened pressure on the technical bench.
Owusu’s appointment as interim coach was initially viewed as an opportunity to stabilize the team and steer them back into contention. While there have been glimpses of improvement, inconsistency has ultimately defined his tenure so far.
The club’s swift response to the rumours signals a desire to maintain stability and avoid unnecessary distractions during a critical phase of the season.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Kotoko will be hoping that Owusu’s return can help refocus the squad and deliver improved performances but for now, the message from the club is clear that their head coach remains in charge, and reports suggesting otherwise are unfounded.
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