Sports
Will the ‘Milo’ be tasty again?
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Milo.jpg&description=Will the ‘Milo’ be tasty again?', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Milo.jpg&description=Will the ‘Milo’ be tasty again?', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
AFTER all the speculation and brouhaha over who is going to succeed CK Akonnor as Black Stars’ chief trainer, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) finally settled on Serbian Milovan Rajevac, on an expectant Friday afternoon.
Many had sat on tenterhooks as to where the next manager would be coming from. Many names had been bandied around.
But the pendulum was always swinging towards Rajevac, once his identity popped up among a heap of marquee names.
The 67-year-old gaffer initialed a two-year deal with Ghana – having been tasked to break the ‘Stygian silence’ as regards Ghana’s disquieting failure to win the Nations Cup since 1982, as well as qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Milovan is enjoying a second bite of the cherry. He was first engaged in 2008, first guiding the Local Black Stars to the finals of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN), before spearheading the Stars to the quarter final berth of the FIFA 2010 World Cup, staged in South Africa. In fact, but for Luis Suarez’s deliberate handball incident in the last second of their quarter-final clash against Uruguay, the Stars would have romped into the semis. That would have been some history! African history!
Qualifying for the Qatar quadrennial football festival would be celebrated wildly by Ghanaians. But halting the Nations Cup title drought should unquestionably see an uncontrolled, hysteric jollification and merrymaking.
Indeed, victory at AFCON would have sealed many twists and turns to a dramatic denouement that have seen scores of coaches struggle to break the now 39-year-old debacle.
Milovan’s first hurdle, however, is to put back on track the nation’s World Cup qualification ambitions as he tries to assemble a compellingly winsome team against Zimbabwe (Saturday, October 9) in next month’s double header at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and in Harare (Monday, October 11).
Somehow, the Serbian managed to waltz his way into the hearts of Ghanaians during his first romance (2008-2010) – but that tenderness would come with a lot of anticipation – which must be supported by the FA.
It was revealed that the immediate past Stars’ coach Akonnor did not elicit the requisite backing from the FA, especially with regard to player invitation into the national team. The situation, obviously, would have to change for the better if the ‘Milo’ is going to be charmingly sweet again.
Heartily, the Serbian says he is going to take full responsibility in player selections. That is good to hear.
In his previous outing, Milovan played a total of 28 games and won 12, drawn same number and lost four – scoring 35 goals and conceding 33. Not a bad record though, but he may have to improve on his concession rate and aim at scoring more.
Though only two games played, the Stars – former World Cup quarter-finalists, have not given any strong indication of making it to the Mundial. They have been very less inspiring and really discomforting in both games against Ethiopia and South Africa, selling out some rambling football of indignity to the world. That was what precipitated the exit of Akonnor.
On October 9 when they take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe, Ghanaians would expect to see a polished Black Stars that play with bountiful flair, panache and such ruthless intensity in attack.
Of course, nobody needs to tell Milo to invite players who are busy for their teams; not bench warmers, not pretenders, not those who are eager to pay money for their spot – but rather, quality actors who are prepared to give their all for the result! That is the only way Milo could make his second coming tastefully memorable again.
PlainTalk with John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
