Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ernest Sowah has revealed he is psychologically unsettled by a bribery allegation against him and wants out of the club immediately.
Sowah kept the post in Kotoko’s final league game last season. That game saw them lose grip of a one-goal lead late on and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liberty Professionals at Dansoman.
The defeat saw Kotoko slip to fifth place on the league table but the manner of the goals left Club Chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei with a furious outburst. As his frustration boiled over, he allegedly threw an astonishing tantrum at the experienced shots-topper by accusing of taking bribe.
Chronicling the incident in an interview with Kumasi-based Angel FM Tuesday, Sowah conceded he remains deeply hurt by the October 22 bribery slur and would like to be released from his remaining one-year contract with the Porcupine Warriors.
The former Don Bosco goalkeeper narrated:
“Last season, I was not active like my first. I played more games in my debut season.
I didn’t even know I was going to start in that game against Liberty so is it that I took the bribe at that late hour when I was named to start? Honestly, that accusation keeps haunting me psychologically. I can’t hide the pain anymore.
I have no problem with the fans or the club in general. I think I will need some time off. If only management will agree, I will like my contract to be terminated so I can get myself back psychologically. I won’t mind taking five to nine months away from playing in order to clear this off my mind.
I have been training since pre-season started but I have excused myself due to some family problems during the New Year break so I have informed my coach.”
What really happened?
“Yes, after the game, Dr. Kwmae Kyei accused me of taking bribe. He did that in front of the whole team in the dressing room.
“I won’t call names but some of my mates said they wouldn’t have allowed him do that to them.
“I did not throw tantrums back [after the accusation]. All I said was ‘with all God has done for me in my career, why will I take bribe’?
“I understood the Chairman’s disappointment in some way on that day. You know, looking at the investment he’s making, he expects the best but he went too far using that word [BRIBE] on me.
“It is not normal. Why would I do such a thing at a big club like Kotoko? The spirit behind Kotoko is too much for me to even try that. I have played for Tema Youth, Berekum Chelsea and others and no bribery attempt has ever come my way so why now?
“I’m ready to terminate my contract.” “People have conceded worst goals so why should mine be as a result of bribe?, Sowah quipped.
