Don’t let anyone decide for you – Kwasi Appiah to Chris Hughton

Former Ghana national team coach, James Kwasi Appiah, has given some advice to current national team coaches, including Chris Hughton. He emphasized the importance of resisting external interference, especially when it comes to player call-ups.

Appiah, who now serves as the head coach of Sudan’s national team, has extensive experience in managing Ghana’s Black Stars during two different spells from 2013 to 2020.

During an interview on Accra-based Asempa FM, Appiah expressed his strong views on coaches being independent in their decision-making.

He highlighted that national team coaches should not allow themselves to be influenced by external forces, as this could affect their credibility.

“If you are a coach and you allow yourself to be dictated to then, I will have a problem,” he said. “It is not appropriate for anybody to do that, but if it happens and you, the coach, bow to that, from that time, I will not respect you again, and I will conclude that you don’t know your job because once you accept the influence, the player call-ups will be determined by them.”

Appiah stressed that coaches of national teams should stand by their decisions, as this is crucial for maintaining their authority and making selections based on merit.

He drew a distinction between the role of a club coach, where influences may be more acceptable in player selection, and that of a national team coach.

In the context of his current position as Sudan’s head coach, Appiah expressed his ambitious goals. He aspires to make history by leading Sudan to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification and also aims to build a competitive team capable of qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Appiah’s tenure as Sudan’s coach began on a positive note when he guided the team to a rare victory against Chad, their first win since March. Sudan secured a 1-0 victory in an international friendly held at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia in October.

However, Appiah acknowledged the challenges he faces, primarily due to the ongoing turmoil in Sudan. Despite the adversity, he remains committed to achieving his targets. Appiah is no stranger to achieving significant milestones, as he was the first indigenous coach to lead Ghana to the World Cup in 2014.

“The target I have been given is to build a team and ensure the team qualifies for the 2026 World Cup and the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Appiah explained. He expressed optimism that peace and order would eventually be restored in Sudan, allowing the team to pursue its goals effectively.

In summary, James Kwasi Appiah’s advice to national team coaches underscores the importance of maintaining independence and integrity in player selection and decision-making.

As he continues his coaching journey with Sudan, he remains determined to achieve historical milestones and build a competitive team despite the challenges faced.