“Nana Yaw Amponsah [NYA] makes some people very uncomfortable in the football space”, wrote journalist and Ghana Premier League commentator, Philip Sitso Astrim.
“[NYA] thinks. Strategy always vital and he clearly knows exactly what he wants. He’s clear in his mind how he wants it. That I like very much”, revered sports broadcaster, and now a manager at Media General, Michael Oti Adjei also tweeted.
I can proceed with several of such fine reviews of Asante Kotoko’s Chief Executive Officer’s Oyerepa FM interview, in which he talked about 100,000 fans paying US$100 each for a stadium construction. Citi Sports’ Editor, Fentuo Tahiru summed it: “He has been very, very good. I am very proud of what he’s achieved so far.”
The independent thoughts of these esteemed journalists aren’t only in sync with the views of Kotoko supporters. They’re also in conformity with those held by corporate businesses. Is it any surprise why NYA’s gradually changing the face of Kotoko?
Whether or not Kotoko need a stadium is debatable. What needs no debate however, is putting the club on firm financial feet. If through the new Access Bank partnership, five million supporters worldwide can be mobilised with accurate data on them to generate revenue for projects like a 20,000-seater capacity stadium, why not?
“Football is the passion for the nation; it unites us more than any game. This is the heartbeat of the nation and Access Bank is proud to be partners of the mobilisation drive for fans [worldwide] to have a composite database on Asante Kotoko SC” says Group Head of Business Banking, Kafui Bimpe.
Access Bank are to produce multipurpose membership cards that would as well serve as visa cards to be used for payments across multiple channels aside the ultra-modern bus they’ve given to the club. They’re also to back the FabuCensus, which is aimed at data collection on supporters. That, for me, gives a lifeline to organising our fan base.
FabuCensus was initially on pilot; the real deal must however start now. NYA has neither led Kotoko to a league nor FA Cup triumph. Under his infant reign, Kotoko was second last season in the GPL while in Africa, the show wasn’t any different from the disappointment that characterised previous failed attempts to recapture Africa glory.
But NYA is progressively nurturing a support base that’s willing to put their shoulder to everything he pushes in Kotoko’s name. The Virtual Seat Challenge is a good example. Access Bank’s partnership thus deserves greater push if fans want to fund projects like a stadium for the club. This is the time to pay real attention to supporters’ mobilisation.
Credit: Jerome Otchere
