Kotoko’s soaring international image continues to attract sports events organizers to invite the club to participate in reputable tournaments.

Months after the invitation from South Africa to take part in a four-club tourney, another invitation has come, this time from India, where the Porcupines have been invited to participate in the Rovers Cup in the Asian country.

Public and Supporters Relations Manager, Listowell Yesu Bukarson disclosed this to Kotoko Express in an interview at press time. He said management was delighted at the international recognition the club is receiving.

He however stated that considering the club’s pre-season schedule, the fabulous lads cannot honour the invitation.

The competition, which is the second oldest tournament in India, will take place between August 28 and September 12, 2012. The tournament is being organized by the Western India Football Association (WIFA), the football governing body in the state of Maharashtra, in collaboration with Sporting Ace PVT Limited.

Sixteen clubs – twelve from India and four, including Kotoko from other countries have been invited to be play in a knockout format on the newly laid artificial grass at the Cooperate Stadium, Mumbai, India.

“We understand that the Rovers Cup is the second oldest tournament in India. It was first held in 1891. The last time the competition came on was in the 2000/2001 season. It is therefore making a return this season” the Public and Supporters Relations Manager said adding that management decided on the club’s non-participation after consultations with International Relations Consultant, Kwame Baah-Nuakoh.

“We decided that the competition in India will not fit into the club’s pre-season program and have instructed our International Relations Consultant to write to the organizers communicating our happiness with the invitation and recognition but we cannot make it to the tournament because of our pre season program said Listowell.

This is the second time this year that the club has been invited to participate in a competition outside the country. The first invitation came from South Africa three months ago and the club was expected to join two South African clubs and English Premiership side, Manchester United in a tournament to honour the country’s great leader, Nelson Mandela The program was however later on changed.

By: Jerome Otchere