Sunderland officials to visit Asante Kotoko

A delegation from English club, Sunderland will pay a working visit to Kumasi in September in line with their partnership with Asante Kotoko.

The Black Cats officials are expected in town on Wednesday, September 4, in a move that strengthens their partnership with the Porcupine Warriors since July 2011.

A highly placed source has told GNA Sports the trip by the Sunderland officials is to update themselves with developments at the Kumasi-based club.

According to the source, the delegation will help with the restructuring of the administrative set up of the club, which has dominated the headlines the past few weeks.

Also, the English officials will provide assistance in fashioning out a youth programme for Kotoko consisting U-12, U-15 and U-17 teams as it pertains in Europe and also tour the Adako Jaachie project.

The English partners appear unimpressed with Kotoko’s reliance on Tutu Stars and Anokye Stars (both U-17 sides) as feeder sides for the senior team.

This is to ensure a firm youth policy for the Porcupine Warriors for the 22-time Ghana league champions, other than resorting to established players from other clubs each seasons.

The visit will be the first high profile by the North East England-based club since entering a partnership with Asante Kotoko three years ago.

The English club, founded in 1879, agreed a groundbreaking partnership agreement with Asante Kotoko on July 2011 to offer practical support and advice in youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matters, as well as football business strategy to the latter.

It is the first ever between a Ghanaian club and an English outfit.

Source: GNA