Kotoko to name Zachariassen as new coach; as Ashgold turn to Adipah

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are set to appoint Kjetil Zachariassen as their substantive head coach to replace Charles Kwablah Akonnor.

Zachariassen, who is currently in charge of Ashantigold (Ashgold), had a splendid time with the Obuasi-based side after replacing Svetislav Tanasijevic in the second round of the GFA Normalisation Committee Special Competition.

The Nowergian coach guided Ashgold to win the Tier 2 of the Special Competition and qualified the team to the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2019/2020 season.

President of Ashgold, Dr Kwaku Frimpong (Champion) is quoted to have said he willingly agreed on Coach Zachariassen’s move.

“Coach Kjetil Zachariassen has informed me, he is going to Kotoko.

I have given him to Kotoko because he is not my standard for Africa so Kotoko can have him,” Dr Frimpong said.

The Porcupine Warriors decided to hunt for a new coach following the sudden departure of Coach Akonnor.

Meanwhile, the management of Ashantigold has agreed on terms with former Wa All Stars coach, Enos Adipah, to lead the team in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, writes Samuel Ebo Kwaitoo.

The Miners made the swift decision yesterday when it became evident that their Norwegian trainer, Kjetil Zachariassen, was on his way to Kotoko to replace Charles Akonnor who vacated his post last Wednesday.

A source close to Ashanatigold who confirmed the news to the Daily Graphic yesterday, however, disclosed that Adipah’s deal was a short-term contract.

By that, Coach Adipah, who had a rather terrible spell with Techiman Eleven Wonders last season after leading Wa All-Stars to their first Premier League title three seasons ago, is expected to be in charge of Ashgold during their continental campaign.

Ashgold officials believe the experience gained by Adipah in the elite division in the past few years is enough for him to guide the Miners through a successful Confederation Cup campaign.

The young promising Coach Adipah was an instant hit when he burst onto the domestic scene to propel the Wa-based club to their maiden Ghana Premier League title in 2016.