Otto Addo

Many Ghanaians cart-wheeled for joy when Germany-trained Ghanaian, Otto Addo, was appointed as Black Stars coach to take over from the sacked Serbian – Milovan Rajevac in February, this year.

Addo, was an assistant coach during the brief reign of Rajevac.

With zilch experience of managing a national side, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) knew all-too well it was a monolithic gamble it was taking when it offered the 46-year-old the job. A few faint hearts disapproved of the engagement, arguing that the former Ghana international, who featured in the nation’s maiden World Cup campaign in Germany 2006, may not wield the experience and temerity to pull the chestnut out of the blazing fire.

However, the fountain of negativity did not stop the FA from handing the ex-Black Stars midfielder the task of taking on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in that blistering Qatar World Cup double-header play-off.

To cut a long story short, the Stars prevailed. Otto Addo nailed it! Ghana exploded into endless joy on March 29, this year.

Sadly, the Ghana trainer who pulled the trick under his sleeve to shove away Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is no more a hero. Believe it or not, he is being seen as a villain by the same Ghanaians who hailed the tactics he employed to navigate the nation’s path to its fourth Mundial.

The spontaneous eruption of condemnation is coming on the heels of Ghana’s humbling 3-0 defeat to Brazil – and a lame 1-0 win against low-rated Nicaragua during last month’s international break.

Ghanaians took the coach to the cleaners, repudiating him for his tactics against the Brazilians that resulted in the thrashing, whilst lashing at him for the very late substitutions against Nicaragua.

“This is not what we bargained for; and I don’t think Coach Otto Addo has what it takes to guide us to Qatar and excel,” was a piercing voice on a radio call-in programme, 24 hours after the second game.

In place of him, a decent number of the callers suggested the team’s Technical Advisor – and former Newcastle United and Brighton manager – Chris Hughton, took over from Addo.

Others also opined that it may not be the best time to change the technical direction of the Black Stars, insisting it could have damning, calamitous consequences.

Truth is, we must be careful with whatever we do to the team as the Qatar 2022 tournament is just barely a month away. Any major changes now could be earth-shattering.

Having said that, it is equally imperative for Coach Addo to pick some vital lessons from the two games as he prepares for the tournament.

Indeed, Ghanaians would be expected to watch the Stars’ final friendly against Switzerland next month with lots of interest.

The game should give fans something to be enthused about, instead of compelling them to throw up their hands in despair.

For now, let us continue to support Otto Addo, give him the benefit of the doubt; and spare a moment of prayer, too, for him.

PlainTalk with John Vigah