Tanzanian giants Simba SC Ghanaian midfielder James Agyekum Kotei has dared Asante Kotoko to be ready for sterner challenge on Wednesday as the two sides battle for pride in a friendly match to mark the Simba Day anniversary of the east African greats.
Simba who are currently enjoying a two- week preseason tour in Europe (Turkey) are due back home on Sunday August 5, and have invited record Ghana league champions Asante Kotoko for the friendly match slated for Wednesday August 8 at the 60, 000 capacity Dar es Salaam (national stadium), Tanzania.
Ahead of the invitational match, Kotei, who joined Simba SC in 2016 has stated that he and his teammates are much aware of the threat of Kotoko but are fully prepared as they “cannot afford to lose” before their numerous fans.
“The Simba Day is a day we unveil our new and all players we have, supporters do come from all regions to witness the event, the 60,000 capacity stadium almost gets filled up”, Kotei told FOX 97.9 FM, highlighting the importance of the Simba Day to the club.
” The Simba Day is a day we cannot afford to lose the game because all our fans will be present and it’s an entry into a new season after our preseason, so we don’t have to lose to make our fans sad, we know Kotoko is equally a good side despite the break in the (Ghana) league, the quality is still available, so it is going to be a difficult match”, he said.
Asante Kotoko have been in blistering form of late despite not playing competitive matches for some time, but the former Liberty Professionals midfielder is unperturbed by any verbal media descriptions of his fellow countrymen.
Kotoko will leave the shores of Ghana on Tuesday, play the match on Wednesday and return the next day to continue preparations for the new season.
