We can’t run Kotoko on donations

Kumasi Asante Kotoko have many loyal benefactors. There are some Kotoko supporters who give thousands of Ghana cedis to the club without thinking of what to eat the next day or indeed when again their bank account will be replenished with what they ‘lost’ on Kotoko.

There are as well many Kotoko fans who give hundreds of Ghana cedis to the club on regularly basis and they feel that they have lost absolutely nothing. But irrespective of how lovely these supporters are and how willing they are to give money to Kotoko, there is hardly any financial theory that can support the thought that the club can be financed with donations.

Throughout last week, the fabulous club was in the news for a greater period for all the bad reasons. The news of Kotoko owing its players three-month salary was major news items on most radio networks and also in the print media. Not surprisingly, managers of the club were slammed for that predicament. The explanation by the Acting General Manager, Opoku Nti and the Operations Manager, George Kennedy could neither eliminate nor wipe the bad publicity.

Again it was not at all surprising why most radio stations across the country ‘latched’ on the unpaid salary issue to ‘nail’ the Kotoko leadership for not paying the players. At times even when there are good developments in the club, sections of the media ignore it and concentrate on the negativity so the salary stuff offer some of them good meat to mulch. 

Quick and easy conclusions were drawn with some commentators and supporters even linking the team’s recent defeat to Heart of Lions to the non-payment of their salaries in three months.

The players came out to deny that. I sided with the players’ denial, that, it was wrong for people to link their defeat at Kpando to the salary issue because within that period, they had won six consecutive matches. Nobody talked about the fact that they were sacrificing – that, they were performing well to win games although they had not been paid for three months.

Opoku Nti - Acting General Manager of Kotoko

I think the players had a point. Initially, I decided not to comment on the salary issue and all the club’s money matters until a time I found it appropriate to do so. I was however moved to my writing desk when I heard strong sentiments being expressed over Kotoko’s weak financial position and the need for supporters to contribute and continue donating to the club’s coffers to ensure financial growth. How could that be possible? I thought something was wrong.

Thankfully, that suggestion came from a radio panelist. I agree that Kotoko needs its supporters to contribute financially. That point cannot be overstated but suggesting that the club can rely on donations from its benefactors to survive is not only showing a complete misunderstanding the financial situation at Kotoko but also totally disrespecting the status of the club.

The stature of a club like Kotoko demands that managers of the club – whether at the Board or management level develop sustainable methods of raising funds to keep it on its feet. Some fund raising methods were introduced in the past but it is sad to observe that none could be sustained because of problems associated with supporters’ organization and accountability.

 Mention can be made of the Otumfuo Special Initiative (OSI) which ran into problems after taking off because the fund managers failed to do a good job. The immediate past Executive Chairman, Dr. K. K. Sarpong also introduced several fund raising measures which from the start were patronized but not much was realized due to the disorganization in the supporters’ front.

Experience therefore vindicates the assertion that until Kotoko properly organizes its supporters, very little or nothing could be achieved from them. I reiterate that the club cannot rely on its affluent supporter for money. That may help save certain situations but cannot be the best way to fund the club. What Kotoko needs is a sustainable business plan; implementation of that business plan and what is more, selling it to outsiders and getting them to know and understand the need to associate with Kotoko for mutual benefit.  

Kotoko were champions in the 2012/2013 Premier League season

It is true that Kotoko’s owner – the revered Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is financially endowed. He sits on the Golden Stool. Recently, when Kotoko found itself neck-deep in financial difficulties, the Great King offered a lifeline. He doled out GHȼ450,000 to carter for recruitment. The point however remains that Otumfuo cannot be doing that all the time.

Nana cannot because that will amount to spoon-feeding the club – when in fact; he has appointed people to manage it for him. Those people, respectfully, must come out with strategies to fund the club – be it through sponsorship, mechanizing or developing other efficient marketing ideas to bring money. Let the debate on Kotoko continue.