Spare us the heartache- Bechemhene 

Correspondent: David Kyei, Bechem, Brong Ahafo Region

12th October 2007

Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, Omanhene of Bechem traditional area, has asked the Kotoko team that went on a weeks camping at the capital town of his paramouncy, Bechem, to eschew complacency and rededicate themselves to their professions and their club.

He has also charged management to be mindful that they head an institution that cuts across traditions, politics and race and so all their actions should be geared towards making a good mark for the club and her numerous followers.

Nana Bechemhene made these requisitions when the director of operations led a delegation made up members of the technical team, administrative staff and members of Royal Circle 149 of Bechem to first introduce and announce the presence of Kotoko in his town and also pay homage.

Announcing the mission of the delegation to the residence of Nana Bechemhene, the chairman of Royal circle 149, Ntim Gyakari, introduced the operations director and his entourage to Nana, and sought the permission to allow Jerry Asare address the gathering.

In his humble self and respect to the stool of Bechem, Jerry announced the presence of the team in Bechem and asked that Nana and his people give them their support and protection.

“Since the success of our club and the reason why we are camping in Bechem lies mostly on how the natives will receive us, I will grave your indulgence and plead that you bless the team for a successful stay in your town and also success in the coming league”.

“One behalf of management and all functionaries of Kotoko, I wish to invite Nana to visit our team any time we camp here, and also count us as his own whenever we are under his jurisdiction”.

“To crown it all, we in line with tradition and protocol present a token drink so that it would be used for prayers for the success of the team”.

Speaking through his linguist, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II expressed his appreciation for Kotoko's sense of honour and respect to his stool and the people of Bechem, and formally welcomed the team into his paramouncy.

In the expression of his elation at the presence Kotoko in his town since it will draw attention to the place, Nana offered pieces of advice to the delegations.

“As an ardent football fan and a royal and follower of the Golden Stool, I will want you to carry the message of seriousness and discipline in the discharge of their work to the players”

“They should know that they can only be successful when they dedicate their lives to the club by staying committed and loyal to the team and her supporters”

“I have been monitoring their performances in the Ghanaian and international front and wouldn’t hasten to say that though they some times do well, they subject their supporters to too much discomfort during the period of their matches”.

“The supporters suffer so much not because the team is not doing well, but that they know that Kotoko boast of better players on the local scene and so must do more than they have been doing. This, is not good enough”

With the backdrop of the sterling performance of the team in the pre-season training matches, Nana looked at the coming season with hope and assurance.

“I want to believe that the news I hear about the exploits of the team in their recent matches would not be cut short but rather carry it into the coming season. Having suffered for a long time from missed opportunities I require of the team to spare their supporters of the heartache in the coming season”.

“Whilst we all look up to the players to make us happy with their performance and results, I want to admonish members of the management to also create the enabling environment for the players to thrive.  You should not loss sight of the enormity of the task you have and also know that you represent a bigger institution that must always be respected and honoured”

“You should not under any circumstances do things that will bring dishonour to the owner of the club, since any thing against his club will not be tolerated by all of us,” was Nana Bechemhene’s advice to the management team.