Kwasi Appiah Advises Kotoko Players to Stay Calm Ahead of Super Clash
As the much-anticipated Super Clash between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak draws near, Kotoko’s Head of Sporting Affairs, Kwasi Appiah, has called for composure among players to ensure optimal performance.
The two most successful teams in Ghana will lock horns in a Ghana Premier League fixture at the Baba Yara sports stadium on Sunday, 15th December 2024.
Speaking in an interview, the former Kotoko player and coach acknowledged the tension that accompanies matches of this magnitude but emphasized the importance of managing the pressure effectively.
“There is always tension whenever it is Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. Tension will be on the management, supporters, and the players. But how you control the tension helps most of the time,” Appiah told ghanasportspage
Appiah stressed that players are particularly vulnerable to the high-stakes atmosphere, which can impact their confidence and decision-making on the field.
“More especially on the players, because you will be scared while receiving the ball or making a pass when you allow too much pressure to overcome you,” he noted.
He therefore advised the players to adopt a calm and relaxed mindset during the game, saying, “I urge them to relax and approach the match without any pressure because you can play very well when you relax.” he added.
The home side, Kotoko is 7th on the log with 18 points while Hears of Oak are 6th with 19 points.