Former Kotoko defender accuses coach Prosper Ogum of disrespecting reserve players
24th June 2024
Samuel Appiah, a former defender with Asante Kotoko, has made serious allegations against coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, accusing him of showing little regard for reserve players within the team.
Appiah, who was part of Kotoko during the 2021 season, claimed that Ogum exhibits a clear preference for his starting eleven and often neglects players on the bench deliberately.
Speaking in an interview with Saddick Adams TV, Appiah expressed his concerns about Ogum's treatment of reserve players, suggesting that such behavior could negatively impact a player's career and morale.
"I don’t believe coach Ogum respects the reserve players who sit on the bench; he favors his starting eleven," Appiah stated.
"This lack of respect and consideration can lead to a decline in motivation among players who do not regularly feature in games."
Appiah went on to characterize Ogum as an "intolerant person" with a "quick temper," cautioning that the coach's impatience and personal biases might jeopardize players' careers.
"He is intolerant and has a quick temper. I would advise him to change his approach and learn how to value players," Appiah emphasized.
According to Appiah, Ogum tends to take things personally and may hold grudges against players, making it challenging for them to reintegrate into the team following any disagreement with the coach.
"Yes, Coach Ogum can be irritable, and he takes things personally. If he has issues with you, he may not include you in the squad," Appiah disclosed.
Despite acknowledging Ogum as a paternal figure, Appiah believes that the coach's attitude towards players could hinder future successes for the team.
"We won the league for him in his first season," Appiah acknowledged. "But his treatment of players could potentially undermine his ability to replicate that success."
Appiah's remarks highlight ongoing concerns within the Kotoko camp regarding the management of players, particularly those on the fringes of the starting lineup under coach Ogum's leadership.