Asante Kotoko new captain Abdul Ganiu speaks about his new role and ambitions for the club

The Porcupine Warriors new skipper has expressed his delight for the honour bestowed him to lead the new era of the club

Asante Kotoko defender Ismail Abdul Ganiu has expressed his excitement following the club’s decision to name him the new captain ahead of the start of 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season.

Ganiu, who joined Kotoko from Karela United in 2018 in a three-year deal, signed a new contract on Wednesday which will see him through to 2025 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

And with the club’s former captain Felix Annan and assistant captain Emmanuel Gyamfi now free agents following the mutual termination of their contracts, the technical team led by new coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has confirmed Ganiu as the new leader of a new era.

“Another platform to enjoy the teaming support of the Red Army and most importantly putting on the famous Red shirt,” Ganiu posted on his official Twitter page.

“I also take this opportunity to wholeheartedly accept the new responsibility placed on me as a leader,” he added.

Another platform to enjoy the teaming support of the Red Army and most importantly putting on the famous Red shirt.I also take this opportunity to whole heartedly accept the new responsibility placed on me as a leader. @AsanteKotoko_SC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3VRmJ4Qvnr

— ISMAIL ABDUL-GANIYU (@officialGaniyu) October 7, 2021

According to AshesGyamera’s sources, midfielder Mudasiru Salifu will be the first deputy captain while goalkeeper Razak Abalora takes over as the second assistant captain when the duo are unavailable.

Kotoko are currently in Accra to continue with their pre-season. They are expected to depart Ghana for United Arab Emirates on Thursday for a two-week tour and arrive in the country on October 22.

They will play their first league match of the season against Dreams FC in Dawu on October 31 before they host Bechem United in their first home game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium a week later.

PLAYERS LIKELY TO TRAVEL TO UAE:

Goalkeepers: Razak Abalora, Kwame Baah, Danlad Ibrahim

Defenders: Ismail Ganiu, Ibrahim Imoro, Christopher Nartey, Andrew Kwaku Apau, Samuel Appiah, Sheriff Mohammed,

Midfielders: Richard Boadu, Isaac Oppong , Clinton Opoku, Samuel Boateng, Fabio Gama, Patrick Asmah, Yussif Mubarik, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey,

Strikers:

Maxwell Agyemang, Francis Andy Kumi, Evans Adomako, Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Dickson Afoakwa