<<Print>>

Hearts of Oak have refused to be drawn into a transfer saga with rivals, Asante Kotoko over their top scorer, Mahatma Otoo just days to their meeting. On Thursday, Kotoko handed over a letter to Hearts of Oak seeking their permission to begin talks with the captain of the Phobians, who has scored 13 goals and leads the charts. Ghana's two top sides will come face to face on Sunday when reigning league champions, Kotoko meet Mahatma's Phobians in a Glo Premier League match at the Accra Sports Stadium. In contrast to Hearts of Oak, who are sitting ninth and ten points off the summit, Kotoko are chasing a successful title defence as they lay third and one point adrift of leaders Medeama. Kotoko's request to open negotiations, just three days to the big game has thrown up a different build up to their rivalry. Mahatma�s contract with the Phobians runs out at the end of the current campaign with reports suggesting that he has turned down offers for an extension. Following the player's rise in form with his goals pulling the Phobians from the relegation zone, the focus has turned on his future as he nears the final stages of contract with Hearts of Oak. Kotoko's letter will be seen by their rivals as a ploy to distract them ahead of the eagerly awaited fixture. But Nana Kwame, a Kotoko representative denies that and only insists that the Kumasi side are following the rules of the game. �I can confirm that I have delivered a letter to Hearts of Oak seeking the services of Mahatma Otoo Thursday afternoon,� Nana Kwame said. �The law states that we should write a letter to seek the services of a player. This is the second time that we have written to Hearts to seek the services in Mahatma.� No matter how Kotoko's letter might be construed, it only serves to add more spice to the derby. Meanwhile, class one match official Yakubu Nuhu Liman has been appointed to take charge of the 'Super Clash' between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on Sunday. The Wa-based referee will be centre official for the Glo Premier League's top liner this weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium. Nuhu Liman will be assisted on the lines by Augustine Akugre and Osman Ouedragou in the match-day-24 clash. Samuel Gyasi is the fourth official. Sunday, May 5 Match: Hearts of Oak v Asante Kotoko Venue: Accra Sports Stadium Referee: Yakubu Nuhu Liman Assistant 1: Augustine Akugre Assistant 2: Osman Ouedragou 4th Official: Samuel Gyasi