Orientation for Kotoko players – my take

The choice to look at things from a positive angle or from a negative perspective always lies with us as a people. I have however observed that, the energy some of us spend focusing on negativity often outweighs everything else in our blood. That’s serious. Some people can be so caustic with their criticism that, they forget they lose sight of everything good.

I’m saying this relative to last Thursday’s orientation for Kotoko players at the conference room of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. I had the chance of reading quotes from the various speakers. I was impressed with how proceedings went. Afterwards, as I perused social media commentary on the orientation, I noticed overt attempts by some people to reduce it to nothingness because the players didn’t wear uniformed attire.

To them, it was a notable downside. The team should have worn jerseys or shirts that identify them well as Kotoko players. I agree. I won’t begrudge anyone. But considering the significance of the orientation, I, by my disposition won’t put too much premium on what outfit the players wore to the programme.

Where possible, it’s always necessary to dwell on the positives of an event no matter the negatives. It’s not right to exert our energies – condemning and rubbishing things because one thing didn’t go right particularly when this thing didn’t do any damage to the ultimate goal.

Given that, Kotoko have many uniformed attires, something must have acted against the club at the last minute, thereby causing the players inability to come in uniformed attire. Now, let me focus on what transpired at the event. First, I was glad to read that, the programme was behind closed doors. I commend management for that.

In an institution like Kotoko, it’s imperative to protect, control, if not deliberately tailoring information to suit purposes we desire. This can be done well only when events such as orientation for players are held without the media’s presence. I have often contended that, no club is under any obligation to let the media in on everything it does.  

Certain things must be kept out of media coverage because as an institution, we must at times tell our story the way we want it. For example, I’m imagining how Dr. Boateng’s advice on avoiding multiple sexual partners would have been carried by our typically sensational media.  

In fact, even after copying quotes from Asantekotokosc.com without giving credit, a few online news reports attempted to skew the doctor’s advice to make the players appear as though they are licentious louts parading in Kotoko jerseys. So, it was necessary that, the media was to a large extent, kept out of the orientation where sensitive Kotoko issues were frankly discussed.

Everything said at the orientation was vital. My prayer is that, the players will reflect deeply on the issues presented to them. They should let the advices sink well into their lives. They shouldn’t assume that, they were placed in one room to be lectured for hours simply because we want them to win matches. It goes way beyond that. Some of the issues that came up at the orientation are relevant life issues they ought to know.

For example, Operations Manager, George Kennedy’s take on the players’ choice of a girlfriend or wife was instructive. “When taking a girlfriend or looking for a life-long partner, take the one who will wake you up [for] training on time, not the one who will drain all your funds” he said.

General Manager, Opoku Nti’s word on supporters’ criticism was also instructive. “Let your performance show on the pitch. When fans criticize you, don't respond with your mouth; respond on the pitch for the very fans who sing ‘crucify him’ will later sing "hallelujah" he stated.

If our players will take time off to ponder about all this, they will not only be good footballers; they will also be responsible individuals who will contribute meaningfully to their families and society at large. I frankly wish them the best in their endeavours in the new season and beyond.