Former Hearts of Oak kingpin Mohammed Ahmed Polo has urged Asante Kotoko to take next season's CAF Confederations Cup by storm.
The Porcupine Warriors had an indifferent campaign in the Ghana Premier League last season where they finished in 5th position with 43 points.
The Reds, however, came alive in the FA Cup finals when they displayed one of their best performances in a long while by defeating bitterest rivals Hearts of Oak 3-1 at the Tamale Sports Stadium last Sunday.
Following the win, Asante Kotoko automatically qualifies to represent Ghana in next year's CAF Confederation Cup.
But several pundits believe the gulf in quality between the Ghana League and other major leagues across the continent will halt the club's chances of making an impact in the competition.
"Once you've won the cup you're obliged to play in the competition. It will help them get some exposure even if they don’t win it. It is my belief that as people are talking about their poor form they can raise their game to compete adequately because they are not minnows and they know what will be at stake," Polo reiterated.
He added, "It is the wish for all their players to play professional football but if you're not good enough to show that you can play at the level, then what's your business playing game, this is an opportunity for them. They have worked hard for it and have to go there and display it. I don’t know why they are not playing at that level."
"The whole world will be watching how well they perform because the world is now a global village so they have to raise their game and make sure they are prepared to perform in the competition. Many people criticized their form during the season but I believe if they could go past Hearts of Oak, who are in great form then it shows that every team can hit their stride at any given time."