Sports
Building the capacity of our local coaches
THE issue of contracting local managers or coaches for our senior national team, Black Stars, has always been a matter of postscript rather than a priority. Maybe, that should not have been the case.
Whilst a school of thought fiercely holds the engagement of local coaches as the right technical brains for the national team, others disagree – believing that the ‘local breeds’ have not gotten to the expected apogee to handle a team in that class.
Respected football administrator and bankroller of Kumasi King Faisal, Alhaji Abdul Karim Grusah, has persistently insisted that there was no local coach available at the moment to handle the Stars.
“There is no coach in Ghana who can handle the Black Stars now. Let’s be honest with ourselves,” Alhaji strongly asserted.
Ghana’s Black Stars are currently without a trainer amid speculations of ongoing talks between the Ghana FA and Germany-based Ghanaian Otto Oddo and ex-Brighton boss Chris Houghton as regards the managerial position of the team. Other reports also suggested that a local coach be contracted as an interim boss ahead of Ghana’s Qatar 2022 World Cup play-off with Nigeria clash in March.
This nagging issue will continue to haunt us a nation unless we make it a policy to use our own people to handle our national team. Indeed, some chieftains of Ghana football believe that our game can make a significant progress if the nation drives away from the over-dependence on foreign coaches and rather concentrate on building the capacity of the indigenous ones.
Indeed, from George Edward Ainsley (1959) to Avraham “Avram” Grant 92014/2017), none of the 24 expatriates have been able to give Ghana gold at the continental front. All of Ghana’s four Nations’ Cup feats (1963, ’65, ’78 and ’82) have been masterminded by local coaches, clearly indicating that they have something up their sleeves. Admittedly, however, some of the local brains have let the nation down when given the opportunity; perhaps, the major reason for their failure being that they have not been given the free hand to manage the team as they would have wanted.
Ranking Member of Youth, Sports and Culture, who is also the Member of Parliament for South Tongu Constituency, Wisdom Kobena Woyome, agrees that the government need to improve the capacity of the local coaches in the country to be able to take up national team assignments.
“It’s sad that the technical team didn’t look sharp; the playing body showed some lackadaisical attitude. I have a soft spot for local coaches because I want us to build their capacity. Looking at the previous AFCONS we won, we won them with local coaches, so all I am saying is that, there’s so much we can do with local coaches.
“Question, however is, have they built the needed capacity of local coaches to deliver?,” he queried, insisting that it must be the responsibility of the system (government). This is the only way to stop appointing expatriates or looking for the best foreign coaches.”
About two years ago, President of Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Simeon Okraku, indicated that he had tasked the FA Technical Directorate to select 15 local coaches who would receive training to improve their capacity. It is not too clear what happened to that laudable strategy – which the Technical Directorate, headed by German tactician Bernhard Lippert, was mandated to vigorously pursue.
Okraku also assured that coaches selected would be offered the opportunity to add value to themselves by way of attachment beyond the borders of Ghana.
“Coaching is a very key part of the football ecosystem and the Executive Council of the Association do take coaching very seriously. It is for this reason that when we started this journey, we have taken steps to enhance the coaching capacity of our local coaches.”
Truth is that we have seen some kind of training for local coaches, but it is not enough. We would have expected to see the capacities of top local and former Black Stars’ coaches being enhanced. We can make mention of the likes of Sellas Tetteh, David Duncan, Maxwell Konadu, Kwesi Appiah, CK Akonnor, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, etc, who could be sent for top technical FIFA programmes over time with the ultimate intention of taking over the national team. Others who do not get the top nod could be sent to build the cadet teams as they are expected to impart their knowledge on their assistants.
We have got to have a deliberate strategy of building from the junior level to the apex of the game.
The success of Burkina Faso coach – Kamou Malo, in the Cameroon African Cup of Nations, is enough to start thinking again of building the capacity of our own to handle the national team.
Malo was brought up playing football on the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou, but he trained for the police force and was about to sit his exams to become a police captain when he got the chance to go to Germany and study for his coaching badges.
He enjoyed success coaching domestically, including winning the title at Rail Club du Kadiogo, before getting the chance to manage the national team in 2019.
Having already given Appiah, Tetteh, Akonnor the opportunity to be at the helm of affairs, we could also identify one of the buoyant coaching names around and start preparing him to take over the Stars in the next few years. It is all about planning and we have to be ready to invest because nothing good comes cheap.
It is interesting to know that Stephen Keshi is the only coach from Sub-Saharan Africa to have won the AFCON this millennium.
“I would encourage those running federations in Africa to recruit local coaches. It was a risk but the results speak for themselves. We should have more confidence in ourselves and give local coaches the same opportunities,” Malo said.
BY JOHN VIGAH
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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