KOTOKO, TIGO MUST RESPECT CONTRACT (NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)

By George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.

About three weeks ago, Milicom Ghana Limited, operators of Tigo, took a giant step when they signed a three year contract to sponsor the Porcupine Warriors, Kumasi Asante Kotoko
The deal which enjoins Milicom to dole out as much as $3 million in cash and kind, is not only expected to facilitate the efficient and effective development of Kotoko, but was also to rekindle the fighting spirit of the Porcupine Warriors to enable the club win more laurels at both the local and international arenas.
After appending their signature on the contract form, the Board Chairman of Milicom, Mr Temark Inja, together with some management members, formally informed the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about their initiatives, assuring him that Milicom would be committed to the sponsorship package and assist the Porcupine Warriors in diverse ways to enable Kotoko excel.
The formal interaction with Otumfuo Osei Tutu to brief him about that sponsorship package was very important.
This was because as the owner of the club, there is the need for him to be adequately briefed about developments in the club.
It was therefore not surprising that the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, who represented the Asantehene during the meeting, commended Milicom for their sense of initiative to sponsor the Porcupine Warriors who have massive following in the country and abroad than any other club.
The massive turnout of Kotoko fans in the principal streets of Kumasi when Millicom, in collaboration with Kotoko management, organised a float to outdoor their sponsorship deal, was an indication that, the marriage between Kotoko and Milicom was acceptable to the numerous Kotoko fans.
With the formal launching of the Milicom –Kotoko sponsorship in Kumasi, the expectation was that, both parties would respect the contractual deal for their mutual benefits.
While Milicom is expected to make good the $3 million package in cash and kind that would enable management of the great club take good care of the players to enable them deliver to the satisfaction of the massive followers, Milicom is also expecting that the numerous Kotoko supporters across the country would effectively patronise its products as regularly as possible.
One thing is certain, Ghana soccer seems to have been marking time over the years because of inadequate sponsorship by companies in the country.
Apart from Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, who are sometimes offered sponsorship packages by some companies in the country, the other participating clubs in the premier league struggle to compete in the league due to financial difficulties they encounter in the course of the competition.
The regular payment of salaries of their players, winning bonuses, hospital bills, accommodation and kits among other expenditures, always become a burden to club management, and this have direct consequences on the performance of players on the field of play.