Ghana international Richard Mpong has explained why he made the decision to leave Asante Kotoko for Aduana Stars in 2016.
Mpong joined Asante Kotoko in 2012 from Medeama as a 22-year-old and went on to make 120 appearances across all the competitions before switching to Dormaa Ahenkro based outfit, and now plays for Elmina Sharks.
In a wide-ranging interview, the 29-year-old spoke openly about his decision to leave the Porcupine Warriors nine years ago, citing a number of reasons, including mistreatment from then-head coach.
“I loved Kotoko. I had a passion for the club. My entire family is a Kotoko family so I really wanted to play for them even while I was playing for Medeama,” Mpong told online portal Football Made In Ghana.
“They gave me a bad name, tarnished my image before I left the club and never gave me the opportunity to explain myself. I joined the club with blistering happiness but left with pain and sorrow,” he narrated.
The diminutive midfielder was a regular feature in Kotoko under Mas-ud Didi Dramani, but then-coach David Duncan who had replaced the former preferred Frank Sarfo Gyamfi.
“I was branded the leader of a clique that wanted David Duncan to fail to the extent that a notorious fan of the club who was noted for his close relationship with leadership, Seidu MBA, was on the radio claiming I took losing bonus from Dr KK Sarpong to share for the players who were hired during Didi Dramani’s era when Kotoko lost 2-1 to MC El Eulma in the CAF Champions League round of 16,” Mpong added.
“I was shocked to the marrow when Opoku Nti spoke to all the players who were alleged to be members of that clique but never spoke to me.
“I felt disrespected and disappointed that the club I helped to win two league titles and two FA Cup trophies could treat me like that,” he recalled.
Moreover, the Porcupine Warriors failed to pay Mpong his contract sum, after he extended his stay in 2015 by a year, when his current contract did run out.
As a result of the developments, Mpong wrote to the club to seek a termination of contract enabling him to leave to any club of his choice.
Mpong started his Premier League career with Gamba All Blacks before joining Medeama SC, Asante Kotoko, Aduana Stars and now Elmina Sharks.
