Kickoff (Cape Town)
22 August 2008
The Kpandu Heart of Lions team that has qualified to participate in next year's African Champions League has been depleted by the departure of several key players.
Dominic Adiyah, Ebenezer Kudemoh, Emmanuel Banahene and Jerry Akaminko have all joined clubs in Europe with more departures expected.
I am no doubt we will fill the spots even though it will be a difficult task
Adiyah became the latest Lions player to pen a deal in Europe after agreeing a three-year deal with Norwegian club Fredikstadk fk according to his agent Julien Hammond.
Adiyah was the star of the Lions side last season scoring thirteen goals in his role as the man behind the main striker.
It follows on the back of the move by Jerry Akaminko to Turkey and Ebenezer Kudemoh's switch to Serbia. And defender John Boye is also certain to leave with Israel and France potential destinations.
Coach Oti Akenteng tells KickOffGhana.com that as many as ten players have left Lions at the end of last season but is confident they can rebuild the side into one capable of challenging for honours next season.
"Many of the guys who have left got the opportunity to prove themselves because there was an opening," he told KickOffGhana.com.
"I am sure it will be some of the new players we will bring in and those who have been unable to get a place in the side. I am no doubt we will fill the spots even though it will be a difficult task."
Akenteng also insist selling is sometimes is the only way a club like Lions can stay in business. "For some clubs that is the way to go," he said.
"I can imagine the hell family members will raise if we denied a player the chance to earn much more than he does here. We are almost powerless when it comes to players wanting to play outside."
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