Kotoko’s Alex Manu questions Baba Yara Stadium pitch after renovation

Asante Kotoko’s Ashanti Regional Circles Chairman, Alex Manu, has expressed concerns about the condition of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following renovations by the National Sports Authority (NSA).

The stadium, closed after CAF flagged technical issues in September 2024, was reopened in October, allowing Kotoko to return from their temporary base in Obuasi.

However, Manu noted the pitch was subpar during their FA Cup match against Future Stars, though he was optimistic about improvements before their clash with Hearts of Oak.

“It wasn’t that great, but it could be because it was left idle during the renovations. It wasn’t that green, but I’m sure our return will prompt them to start watering the pitch so it can return to its natural state. I believe it’ll be ready before we play Hearts of Oak because the two-week break will be used to improve it,” he said.

Manu also lamented low fan turnout, attributing it to the late announcement of their return. Kotoko won 2-0, led by Albert Amoah’s brace.

“The support we were expecting was far from the number of people that came. We literally played in an empty stadium. But it could be because of the late announcement of our return to the stadium. With the subsequent games, I believe there’ll be enough fans,” he added.