In a surprising revelation, Ghanaian football legend Rev. Osei Kofi has recounted a moment when Asante Kotoko declined an offer from a Malaysian team to build a modern stadium in Kumasi. Speaking with Kafui Dey, the 1965 AFCON winner shared how the proposal was meant to replicate the concept behind Arsenal’s iconic Emirates Stadium.

According to Rev. Osei, the Malaysian investors intended to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium for the Porcupine Warriors, which would bear the name of their brand as part of the sponsorship. He noted that notable figures such as Opoku Nti and Kennedy Agyapong lobbied tirelessly to secure the deal, believing it would transform the club’s fortunes.

“Emirates is a stadium for Arsenal; was it the residents who built it? No, it was the Emirates, that is why the stadium bears the name. A similar opportunity was brought to Ghana. Opoku Nti and Kennedy brought in a Malaysian team that wanted to build a stadium for Kotoko and name it after their brand, but the management at the time rejected the idea,” Rev. Osei recounted.

The reasons behind Kotoko’s rejection of the proposal remain unclear, leaving fans and stakeholders questioning the rationale of the decision. For now, the Porcupine Warriors continue to play their home games at the state-owned Baba Yara Stadium, a facility they share with other teams.

Rev. Osei’s account highlights what could have been a game-changing moment for one of Ghana’s most storied football clubs, sparking debate on the need for visionary leadership in sports management.