I'm the only past Kotoko chairman with a special relationship with the Asantehene

fiifi anaman

May 8, 2017 2:39 PM

Kotoko's outspoken former chairman has shared his thoughts on the club's ongoing crisis in a chat with Pulse Sports

Former chairman of Asante Kotoko, Herbert Mensah, has claimed to be the only former chief executive of the club who still has a "special relationship" with the clubs owner, the Asantehene (Ashanti monarch).

Mr Mensah, a businessman and sports enthusiast, was named chairman of the Porcupine Warriors by in 1999 and served through to 2003.

He was appointed by the immediate past Asantehene, Otumfuor Opoku Ware II, and continued to serve under the current Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II after the latter's ascension to the throne in April 1999 following the former's demise.

"I am the only past chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko who has a special relationship with Otumfuor. The only one," Mensah, arguably Kotoko's most famous chairman of the last 17 years, told Pulse.com.gh.

READ ALSO: Ghana Premier League

"Some may have become chiefs but that's irrelevant. I am the only one who has the honour to be honoured by Otumfuor, to be able to walk to Manhyia, and I appreciate that and I honour that."

Mensah, who steered the Ashanti Region's 'Idol Club' to silver medals in the 2002 CAF Cup Winners Cup, was speaking in Kumasi over the weekend, on the occasion of the Asantehene's 67th birthday.

Asked what he made of the current crisis that has rocked Kotoko, Mensah was cautious.

"I left Kotoko a long time ago and I gave my word that I would not speak against Kotoko, that's why I don't talk about Kotoko."

Kotoko has gone nine consecutive games without a win in all competitions, with pressure mounting on the current administration led by Dr Kwame Kyei, a 56-year-old oil tycoon appointed by the Asantehene last November.

READ MORE: Dr. Kwame Kyei

"Maybe they are going through a difficult time now, it is up to the current chairman - I've never met him - to look into his glass ball and decide how he's going to get Kotoko out," Mensah weighed in.

"There are different management styles. I had my own which was unique, so it's not for me to criticize other people's. Others come, others go. When I was at Kotoko, I used to say that Kotoko is greater than any human being. Chairman come, chairman go. Kotoko will be there forever."

READ ALSO: Porcupine Warriors

He shared his views on what Kotoko means to him.

"Kotoko is not just about winning; Kotoko is about how you hold the flame; that flame that burns your hands. The people of Asanteman, the people of Ghana, have to see that you are fearless and prepared to hold that flame, then they will follow you; then they will be with you. Kotoko without supporters is not Kotoko. Barcelona in an empty stadium is not Barcelona."

Mensah, who is also the current President of the Ghana Rugby Association, had some words of motivation for Kotoko's teeming supporters, most of whom have surrendered to despair as performances continue to deteriorate.

READ MORE: Ghana Football Association

"Kotoko will never die. Have faith. If you love the club, continue loving the club. The current custodians? They chose to accept it when they were offered it, so they must now do the right thing and honour Otumfuor."

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