Fresh off their 11th MTN FA Cup triumph, Asante Kotoko SC have begun a comprehensive squad overhaul, announcing the departure of nine players as they prepare for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign and the upcoming 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season. The shake-up marks the beginning of a new era at the club, with clear indications that the technical team and Interim Management Committee (IMC) are seeking to inject fresh energy, discipline, and tactical quality into the Porcupine Warriors’ ranks.
The most high-profile exits include club captain Frederick Asare, midfield enforcer Justice Blay, and Nigerian striker Fernando Wisdom Bassey. The changes come in the wake of a rollercoaster season that saw Kotoko miss out on the Premier League title but salvage pride and continental qualification by lifting the FA Cup with a hard-fought victory over Golden Kick SC.
Leadership Departures: End of an Era
Perhaps the most symbolic of the exits is that of Justice Blay, once hailed as the heartbeat of Kotoko’s midfield. Blay, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 season, was not offered an extension. While his combative style and commanding presence made him a fan favorite, reports emerging from within the club suggest that disciplinary issues contributed significantly to the decision to part ways.
Blay’s time at Kotoko has been one of highs and lows. He rejoined the club in 2021 following a standout loan spell in 2019 and quickly established himself as a mainstay in midfield. However, off-field incidents, including rumored training ground altercations and public disagreements with members of the technical staff, cast a shadow over his leadership credentials.
“Despite his on-field qualities, the club is moving in a new direction—focused on discipline, unity, and a long-term technical vision,” a source close to the management told local media.
Also departing is goalkeeper and team captain Frederick Asare, whose contract negotiations fell through despite the club’s intention to retain him. The 25-year-old lost his starting position to Guinean international Mohammed Camara during the second half of the season, which significantly affected his bargaining power.
“Asare gave us great service during his time here, but we couldn’t meet his financial expectations,” said a Kotoko spokesperson. “We wish him all the best in his next move.”
Foreign Reinforcement Fails: Wisdom Bassey’s Underwhelming Spell
Another major casualty of the reshuffle is Nigerian striker Fernando Wisdom Bassey, who joined the Kumasi giants in August 2024 from Sporting Lagos. Bassey arrived with high expectations following a promising campaign in Nigeria’s NPFL, but his time at Kotoko proved to be largely underwhelming.
In 16 league appearances, the forward managed only a solitary goal, struggling to adapt to the Ghanaian league’s physical demands and Kotoko’s tactical system. While he impressed during pre-season with flashes of pace and power, his lack of clinical finishing ultimately forced the club to terminate his contract prematurely.
“He was brought in to solve our goal-scoring issues, but things didn’t work out,” a source close to the technical bench confirmed.
Midfield Exodus: Michael Kyei Dwamena’s Quiet Goodbye
Another notable exit is Michael Kyei Dwamena, a versatile midfielder who joined Kotoko from WAFA in 2021. Known for his tireless work rate and box-to-box presence, Dwamena served as a reliable option throughout his three-year stay but failed to make a significant leap in his development.
With Kotoko looking to revamp their midfield, the club opted not to renew his contract, allowing the 24-year-old to leave as a free agent. Dwamena is reportedly attracting interest from several Ghana Premier League clubs, including Legon Cities and Bibiani Gold Stars.
Mid-Season Recruits Shown the Exit
In addition to the marquee names, four players who joined in the second half of the 2024/25 season have been offloaded after failing to make a meaningful impact:
Daniel Adrian Adjetey
Kwasi Asante
Samuel Tenadu
Sampson Eduku
All four were signed in an attempt to bolster the squad depth, especially amid Kotoko’s injury crisis and congested fixture schedule. However, none managed to break into the starting XI consistently, with most limited to cameo appearances or bench roles. According to club insiders, the technical team found them surplus to requirements during the post-season review.
Completing the list is Mintah Isaac, a young defender who has now been released after spending much of the season with the club’s reserve side.
Looking Ahead: Recruitment and Rebuilding
With the CAF Confederation Cup campaign on the horizon, Asante Kotoko are aggressively scouring the local and international markets to bring in reinforcements. The club’s scouting department and management are said to be in advanced talks with several promising talents:
Hubert Gyau, a rising left-back from Dreams FC
Zakaria Fuseini, a versatile defender who has had stints in Spain and with King Faisal
Francis Acquah, a midfield dynamo from Medeama SC
Additionally, Kotoko are monitoring opportunities in East and North Africa, with reports suggesting the club may bring in two foreign-based attackers before the start of pre-season.
The IMC, led by experienced figures in Ghanaian football, has reportedly approved a targeted recruitment strategy focused on young, hungry, and tactically adaptable players who can cope with both the domestic grind and the rigors of African competition.
The Bigger Picture: Discipline and Strategic Continuity
This mass release of players isn’t merely about performance; it’s a reflection of a cultural shift within Asante Kotoko. Over the past few seasons, the club has battled issues ranging from internal indiscipline, dressing room division, to inconsistent managerial philosophies.
The current restructuring aims to restore discipline, create technical continuity, and build a competitive unit that can challenge for the Ghana Premier League title while progressing deep into continental competitions.
Fans will recall that despite winning the league in 2021/22 under Prosper Narteh Ogum, the club failed to build momentum in subsequent seasons due to player turnover, administrative wrangling, and underwhelming performances.
Final List of Departed Players
Justice Blay – Midfielder (Contract expired)
Frederick Asare – Goalkeeper, Team Captain (Contract negotiations failed)
Fernando Wisdom Bassey – Forward (Underperformance)
Michael Kyei Dwamena – Midfielder (Three-year deal expired)
Daniel Adrian Adjetey – Midfielder (No impact)
Kwasi Asante – Attacker (No impact)
Samuel Tenadu – Defender (Surplus to requirements)
Sampson Eduku – Forward (Mid-season addition, released)
Mintah Isaac – Defender (Released from reserve squad)
Conclusion
Asante Kotoko’s mass player release marks a pivotal moment in the club’s journey. Whether this signals the start of a sustained resurgence or another cycle of transition will depend largely on the quality of their recruitment and the harmony between management and technical leadership.
What remains clear, however, is that the Porcupine Warriors are moving with intent and urgency. Their return to continental football demands excellence, and fans will be watching closely to see if this overhaul finally delivers the consistency and glory that have eluded them for much of the past two decades.
