The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman, Kudjoe Fianoo, has shed light on the decision to select Asante Kotoko and Asec Mimosas for this year’s Presidential Cup.
Set to take place on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the match will see the two teams vying for the prestigious trophy just a day before Ghana’s 67th Independence Day celebrations at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Fianoo noted that the selection of Asante Kotoko and Asec Mimosas is aimed at reinvigorating the tournament and addressing concerns raised by the Ghanaian populace regarding the frequent use of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in the competition. He added that the decision also comes in light of the perception that the two teams have become overly relied upon as “cash cows.”
He further expressed plans to revamp the approach to organizing the event, with intentions to consult with the sitting President to identify their preferred team for the competition in the future.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, Fianoo revealed that the choice of Asec Mimosas was influenced by the expected presence of Ivory Coast’s President, Alassane Ouattara, as the special guest for this year’s independence day. As a result, the decision was made to feature the champions of both countries in the Presidential Cup.
Kotoko will replace Medeama as Ghana’s representative, as the latter will be unavailable due to their participation in the CAF Champions League. On the other hand, Asec Mimosas will represent Ivory Coast in the competition.
Fianoo also highlighted that Hearts of Oak are the reigning holders of the President Cup after narrowly defeating Asante Kotoko in the 2023 edition, while Asante Kotoko hold the record for the most titles in the competition, with eight wins to their name.
The GHALCA President’s Cup, also known as the Republic Day Celebrations Cup, is an annual football event that brings together two top clubs at the end of the season. It is held in honor of the sitting President of Ghana and typically coincides with Ghana’s Republic Day celebrations in July.
With the upcoming clash between Asante Kotoko and Asec Mimosas, fans can expect an exciting battle for the Presidential Cup as the two teams aim to secure victory and earn recognition as champions of their respective countries.
