Nana Yaw Amponsah’s journey from Asante Kotoko to new heights hasn’t been without its challenges. As a reformer, he inevitably made enemies, particularly among those who benefited from the old ways. This opposition, particularly from some in the local media, contributed to the decision by the Manhyia Palace, the seat of Ashanti royal power and the puppet master behind Kotoko, not to renew his mandate after the initial three-year term. It also influenced Amponsah’s decision not to pursue the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency again, even though the opportunity arose shortly after his departure from Kotoko.

Instead, Amponsah set his sights internationally, breaking new ground for Ghanaian and African football administrators by becoming president of Moldovan side Petrocub Hincesti at the beginning of this year.

While at Kotoko, Amponsah had already made connections with Moldovan football, negotiating moves for two top players, Razak Abalora and Salifu Mudasiru, to FC Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova’s leading football club known for a memorable UEFA Champions League campaign that included a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Amponsah took his expertise to Petrocub, the main domestic challenger to Sheriff in recent years. Founded just three decades ago, Petrocub has evolved significantly, rejoining the Moldovan top flight in 2015 and finishing as league runners-up for the past three seasons.

Amponsah’s impact was immediate, with Petrocub signing Ghana internationals Abalora (on loan from Sheriff) and David Abagna, joined by fellow Ghanaian Basit Seidu from Al Hilal Omdurman in Sudan. This trio played pivotal roles in transforming Petrocub’s fortunes, culminating in a historic season.

Sheriff won the regular season six points ahead of Petrocub, but during the championship phase that began in March, Petrocub turned the tables, winning by a six-point margin with seven victories and no defeats in ten games. This triumph earned Petrocub their first league title, ending Sheriff’s streak of eight consecutive titles. Petrocub also has the chance to dethrone Sheriff in the Moldovan Cup final, potentially securing a remarkable double. Amponsah has indeed brought a Midas touch to Petrocub.

Meanwhile, Kotoko fans can only wish their team had the same touch, as they struggle through a disappointing season. With four games remaining, Kotoko’s maximum possible points total is 52, the same as in the 2022/23 season, Amponsah’s last with the club. While that was enough for a top-four finish then, it’s unlikely to lift them higher than mid-table this time. Under Amponsah, Kotoko never finished lower than fourth and even won their first league title in eight years.

Amponsah has emerged stronger from his departure from Kotoko, focusing on his new role rather than looking back at his former club’s struggles. With a Champions League campaign on the horizon, Petrocub’s path, inspired by Sheriff’s recent successes, could lead to significant achievements, far beyond Kotoko’s current reach.