Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum wants Franck Mbella Etougato to stay despite reports linking the striker with a move away from the club.
The Cameroonian, who has two years left on his Kotoko contract, is said to be on many foreign clubs’ wishlists after an impressive debut season in Ghana.
According to local media reports, Etouga has held talks with a number of clubs about a transfer.
Etouga scored 20 goals last season as Kotoko won the Ghana Premier League, and Ogum believes he can be a big help next season as Kotoko try to defend their league title while also competing in the CAF Champions League.
“I want Franck Mbella to stay at Kotoko. That is my wish,” Ogum told Cape Coast-based ATL FM.
“I want players who are hungry and ready to make a name for themselves at Kotoko. Kotoko can make an impact in Africa. All that we need is to do proper planning especially, player recruitment.”
After leading WAFA to a top-four finish in the 2020/21 season, Ogum made the big move to Kotoko. There were some who questioned his appointment, but Ogum insists he proved them wrong by winning the league in his first season.
“Some people didn’t believe in me when I was going to Kotoko. But I believed and trusted in myself to deliver at Kotoko. My aim is for Kotoko to play good football and to win. We are in the first and elementary phase of my game model and training programmes at Kotoko and look at the way Kotoko is playing. The second phase will be splendid,” Ogum said.
Ogum also expressed his desire to stay at the club beyond the end of his two-year contract.
“I have a two-year contract with Kotoko and I will respect it. Although some teams outside Ghana have requested my services, I am for Kotoko and I love serving them,” he said.
“I now know and understand my players and vice versa. So I want most of them to stay at Kotoko. [The team] going to Africa although I understand the business aspect of football.”
By Enoch Fiifi Forson|3news.com|Ghana
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