Former Asante Kotoko chairman Herbert Mensah has issued a passionate call to the club’s players and leadership, urging them to rise above just playing football and embrace the true identity of the club as a symbol of Asanteman’s pride and heritage.
Mensah made the remarks during Kotoko’s visit to Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where the team presented the 2024/25 FA Cup trophy to their life patron, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after defeating Golden Kick FC to win their 10th FA Cup title.
Speaking as part of the club’s delegation, the veteran football administrator — who served as Kotoko chairman from 1999 to 2002 — reminded the players that playing for Kotoko is not just about winning matches, but about representing the soul of the Ashanti Kingdom.
“Everywhere you go there is greatness in Kotoko because of Otumfuo,” Mensah said. “Too many people have forgotten — they think you are playing football, but it is more than football. You represent the spirit of Asanteman. If you’re only playing football, you are playing for the wrong team.”
Mensah, who now serves as president of the Ghana Rugby Association, was instrumental during his time as Kotoko boss, guiding the team to domestic success and a continental final in the early 2000s. He emphasized that Otumfuo’s legacy has elevated the status of the club globally, but warned that the responsibility of sustaining that legacy lies with the club’s current leadership and players.
“Otumfuo has dreams bigger than you can imagine. When I travel the world, people talk about Kotoko — and immediately, they talk about Otumfuo.”
He continued:
“Otumfuo has invested, but it is not his job to invest in Kotoko. It is what Kotoko achieves and those who hold it who must invest. It is an honour and privilege to lead Kotoko.”
With Asante Kotoko set to represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, Mensah’s words serve as a rallying call for the team to not only compete but carry the dignity and legacy of Asanteman with pride.
