The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Ocloo Akweley, has stirred excitement ahead of this weekend’s President’s Cup showdown, promising players of Accra Hearts of Oak $1,000 for every goal they score against their arch-rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko
She made the bold declaration during a visit to the Phobians’ training session alongside the Mayor of Accra, Nii Alottey Kpakpo, urging the players to bring glory to the capital by defeating the Porcupine Warriors in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium this Sunday.
“Win so that the mayor and I, anytime we are walking, we will puff our shoulders with pride. Kumasi is promising $200 for every goal scored, but we are promising you $1,000.”she said
The generous incentive comes as a counter-offer to an earlier promise made to Kotoko players by their regional authorities, escalating the intensity of the age-old rivalry between the two most successful clubs in Ghanaian football history.
Hon. Ocloo also encouraged the team to give their best, noting the immense attention the match is drawing from supporters both locally and abroad.
“We plead with you. You know that on Sunday, we are playing a friendly match in honour of our President and the entire country. People are coming from Kumasi — even from the United States — just because of this match. We beg you, considering all the noise we’ve made and the advertisements we’ve run, if you don’t win on Sunday… we’re finished!,” she added.
The President’s Cup, organized annually by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) in honour of the sitting president, will mark its 17th edition this year under the banner of President John Dramani Mahama.
This weekend’s clash is set to rekindle one of Ghana football’s fiercest rivalries, especially after Asante Kotoko recently clinched the MTN FA Cup, while both clubs struggled to make a lasting impact in the just-ended Ghana Premier League season—dominated by newcomers Nations FC, who won their maiden title.
The match will also mark a potential first test for Hearts’ newly appointed coach, Didi Dramani, who could grab his first silverware if he manages to outwit Kotoko in Sunday’s encounter.
Adding to the excitement, Ghanaian dancehall heavyweight, Shatta Wale, is expected to thrill fans with a high-energy halftime performance, further raising the stakes for what promises to be a memorable football and entertainment event.