Asante Kotoko’s Portuguese Coach , Mariano Barreto, has been strongly criticized by a Muslim Journalist after he suggested to Kotoko Muslim Players the fasting wasn’t compulsory.
Muslims around the world are fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which faithful followers abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
About 13 players of Asante Kotoko who are moslems had requested the Portuguese gaffer relax their training schedule to suit them in these times but the coach was reported to have told them it wasn’t compulsory to fast and they can sit out of training if they can’t cope.
But Seidu Alhassan popularly called Zakito a Moslem Journalist with OYerepa FM/TV claimed the coach has got it wrong.
“I think Barreto should know how to speak to his players” he said on Oyerepa TV
“How can you say it’s not compulsory to fast and that players who can’t cope can sit out “
“Mohammed Salah insisted he won’t skip Ramadan for the Champions league final and played whilst fasting”
“If he cares to know Ramadan fasting is one of the pillars of Islam”
Asante Kotoko Players under Mariano Barreto have been training twice every day with their evening session mostly ending after 6pm.
Gideon Kwame Boateng