|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Former Youth and Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye is challenging the widely held belief that hiring a high-profile coach is the ultimate solution to Ghana’s recent disappointments in football tournaments, including the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The urgency in finding a new coach has escalated following the removal of Chris Hughton from his position after Ghana’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations group stage in Cote D’Ivoire.
Several notable names, such as Herve Renard of France Women’s U-21, Tom Saintfiet of The Gambia, James Kwesi Appiah of the Black Stars, and even globally renowned figures like Jose Mourinho, have been rumored as potential successors to Chris Hughton.
Also Read: John Dumelo Earns 3rd Master’s Degree from UG Law School
However, Vanderpuye emphasizes the need for a strategic approach, questioning whether merely hiring a foreign coach will address the underlying issues within Ghana’s football system. He points out that the challenges faced by local coaches, including undue influence, might still persist even with a high-profile foreign coach.
Vanderpuye suggests that a more sustainable solution would be to prioritize a coach who understands the sentiments and aspirations of Ghanaians. He emphasizes the importance of setting long-term goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the coach, allowing the nation to measure its progress over time.
The search for a new coach will be led by the Ghana Football Association’s Vice President, Mark Addo. The search committee, chaired by Addo, includes legal practitioner and law lecturer Ace Ankomah (Esq.) as Vice Chairman, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah (Director of Coaching Education at GFA), Opoku Nti (Ghana football legend), and William Caesar Kartey (Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports).
The composition of the committee reflects a diverse range of expertise to ensure a comprehensive and thoughtful selection process.
