Songne Yacouba Refuses to Extend Contract at Kotoko

Asante Kotoko star Sogne Yacouba has reportedly refused to sign a contract extension at the Ghanaian side, in order to encourage South Africa Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs to make a formal offer for his services.

The 27-year-old’s contract at the Porcupine Warriors currently runs until the end of 2019. He has been a phenomenon since joining Kotoko from Malian giants Stade Malien and his performance helped his side qualify to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in eleven years.

His exploits are said to have attracted interest from several clubs across the continent including ZESCO, Orlando Pirates and two other Egyptian clubs, Zamalek and Smouha FC.

Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the club, George Amoako, spoke to Ghanaian portal Graphic Sports saying;

“As management, we are ready and committed to making the player (Songne Yacouba) happy so plans are underway to give him a befitting accommodation but he has turned down a better offer we planned on giving him, which even includes a vehicle”, Mr. Amoako said.

Chief’s rivals, Orlando Pirates, reportedly sent a letter three weeks ago to Kotoko’s general manager inquiring about the availability of the player.

Management of Asante Kotoko agreed to allow Yacouba to leave the club in March if a good offer comes, but earlier this month, the highly rated forward threatened to buy out his contract to join unnamed side after his current club remained reluctant on his plans to move abroad.

Kaizer Chiefs, who lie in the 8^th position in PSL table, currently have five foreigners on their books for the current campaign which means the Glamour Boys would have to release or loan out either of their foreigners currently on their books at the end of the season.