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Tight security for Kotoko-Wikki match
By: Jerome Otchere,
1st April 2008
The management of Kumasi Asante Kotoko will not on Sunday April 6, 2008 accept any untoward behaviour at the gates of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium before, during and after their match against Nigerian side, Wikki Tourists.
The Porcupine Warriors drew 2-2 with their opponents barely two weeks ago in the northern Nigerian state of Bauchi and the Nigerians will be in the country this week for the return leg.
And even before they arrive, the Kotoko management is making adequate plans to ensure the success of the match.
On Wednesday the club’s Director of Operations, Jerry Asare, disclosed to the Kotoko Express that there would be strict supervision and monitoring at the gates of the stadium.
The Operations Director advised spectators to come early since all gates at the stadium will be opened at 9:30 am.
He said any group or individual who would want free entry to the stadium must first write officially to the club’s secretariat.
He stressed that no story would be entertained at the gates. “No decision would be taken there and no story would be heard as well. Whoever thinks he must be granted free entry for one reason or the other must explicitly write to the club. We will then have the right to grant that request”.
The Director of Operations stated categorically that no complimentary nor identity cards would be entertained.
“We will not issue any complimentary cards. We will also not permit any driver without a car pass entry to the stadium. We want the main entrance of the stadium to be void of congestion” he said.
Concerning media accreditation, he says every media house which would want to cover the match must as well contact the club’s secretariat for clearance. He made it clear that only accredited media houses would be allowed entry to the media tribune.
Jerry Asare warned that unaccredited media personnel found at the media stand would be thrown out.
He therefore advised journalists without accreditation to cover the match to stay away.
“We are aware that all manner of people at times invade the media stand under the pretext of running commentaries or reporting on the match. This time nobody will be allowed entry to the media stand if he or she is not accredited. The media must take note and corporate with us”.
The Director of Operations advised spectators to come early to avoid rush “They must be there early, purchase their tickets and sit at the right places. The tickets will direct spectators to their seats. We expect that supporters will buy their tickets and sit at the right places. We also warn ticket sellers and checkers to abide by instructions because anybody who goes contrary to duties assigned them will be dealt with or handed over to the police”.
since security at the stadium would be tight. He warned security personnel who would not be on duty on the day of the match to restrain from coming to the stadium with their identity cards to avoid embarrassment.
“Nobody would be prepared to look at them. There will be tight security. Security officials who will not be detailed at the stadium will have to purchase tickets if they want to watch the match. People must adhere to what is being said today in order to free some of us from unnecessary insults and insinuations” he maintained.
Explaining the reason behind some of these decisions, Jerry Asare said people had continuously taken undue advantage of the club by entering the stadium free of charge. He said management needs make the most out of gate proceeds particularly at the time that the club is participating in Africa.
“We need money to take care of the huge cost we incur during times like these. We therefore appeal to our supporters and the general public to bear with us. anyone who wants to watch the match must pay” he added.
The Director of Operations consequently released the rates for the match as follows:
VIP Upper Deck (Grey Seats)- GH¢20
VIP Lower Deck-North (Grey Seats) - GH¢15
VIP Lower Deck-South (Grey Seats) – GH¢15,
VIP North Wing (White Seats) – GH¢10,
VIP South Wing (White Seats) – GH¢10,
Centre line (Yellow Sector) – GH¢6.
North Popular Stand (Red Sector) – GH¢4
South Popular Stand (Green Sector)- GH¢4
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