Otumfuo’s wise counsel on discipline

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

There’s never a dull moment with the Asantehene, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II regarding his statements on Kotoko – either at the Manhyia Palace or anywhere it becomes necessary for him to speak on the club. He’s the Owner and Life Patron of Asante Kotoko and whenever he speaks on the club, he leaves no one in doubt over the kind of authority vested in him concerning who has power to say what or determine the direction of this great club.

Last Friday was a typical example. Nana paid what was a surprise visit to the team at Adako Jachie. His address to them – players, coaches and management members as usual was filled with wisdom. He touched on practically every subject the ordinary Kotoko supporter would want to hear him speak on. The sheer display of knowledge of his team was mesmerizing.

Nana is current. He knows all that happens in Kotoko. I don’t know how long he spoke but the audio recording I received via WhatsApp from Communications Director, Kwaku Ahenkorah was nine minutes and 53 seconds. It took the editorial team nearly two hours to transcribe. We spent that amount of time writing what the Great King said verbatim.

It was difficult at some point. Strenuous efforts needed to be made to get exactly what Nana said from Twi to English – without misrepresenting him or of course missing any point he made. We loved the transcribing exercise but what was lovelier was his counsel on discipline.

The frank, straightforward way Nana spoke to everyone present vindicates how well he wants to see Kotoko succeeding. His message, in my opinion was characteristic of a good father bent on seeing the success of his children in all spheres of life. He warned the players on their usual impatience to leave the domestic scene after a short time, saying that attitude wasn’t only destroying their career but it was additionally hampering the development of the local game.

When an elder speaks, there is absolutely nothing more to add, so days an Akan adage. This is not just an elder but also a King – the revered Asantehene – so what more is there to be said? I end my commentary on Nana’s all-important address to the team here. I however reproduce portions of his statements on discipline which touches my heart.

“Coach, select your players based on training; don’t favour any player. The kind of training a player does for the week, which makes you think he can play, must determine your selection” Nana said to Coach Duncan on player selection. His take on favouritism (and that isn’t to say Coach David Duncan favours players) was vital.

“You don’t have to favour anyone. Kotoko is more important than any preferences you have. If you aren’t convinced about any player’s training, don’t field him” he stated. Nana’s position on good values and discipline as footballers was most significant. The players and the coach had their share of the admonition. “Punish any player who will be complacent” he advised.

“Discipline must be the first thing” he warned. “This is my policy. If anyone feels indispensable and feels that, without him Kotoko won’t survive, leave him out! Field those who are disciplined. It’s as simple as that. So that they will know it is a contractual obligation between them and Kotoko” he added.

“Your obligation is also to ensure that Kotoko is lifted. The coach will train you; if there’s anything, coach, give them the chance to share with you… You should also give respect to the coach because he’s your head. If you don’t accord respect, he has the right to discipline you”.

The club owner also had a word on management interference regarding the technical team’s discipline of players and it was succinct. “Coach, even if management intervenes to leave a player who becomes difficult to handle; don’t leave him. Discipline him” he added.

“If you know you can’t play; if you know you’re serving someone’s loyalty more than that of Kotoko, don’t come here; leave! Players who won’t be discipline, leave them out” he pointed out. This certainly is a powerful, wise admonition to every member of the team.