Our next coach must be a proven winner with 15 years of coaching experience, says GFA

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has outlined a set of strict criteria for the selection of the next coach for the Black Stars, following their disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the aftermath of parting ways with former coach Chris Hughton, who oversaw the Black Stars’ lackluster performance at AFCON 2023, the GFA has established a five-member committee entrusted with the task of identifying a suitable replacement within the next three weeks.

As per the GFA’s statement, the incoming coach must possess a winning track record and a substantial coaching experience spanning at least 15 years. The committee, comprising key figures in the football landscape, is led by GFA Vice President Mark Addo, with legal practitioner Ace Ankomah serving as the vice-chair.

Other members include Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Director of Coaching Education at the GFA, Ghanaian football legend Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The GFA places significant emphasis on finding a coach whose coaching philosophy aligns with Ghana’s football DNA and resonates with the national team’s ethos.

Essential qualities sought after include being a proven winner, a disciplinarian, and a tactician. The association is keen on learning from past experiences and is determined to bring in a coach capable of steering the Black Stars to success.

The search for a new coach comes in the wake of concerns raised about the competency of the committee, particularly questioning the choice of Mark Addo as the leader.

Critics point to Addo’s previous involvement in the selection of former coach Milovan Rajevac, whose second tenure proved ineffective as Ghana exited the 2021 AFCON group stage after a loss to Comoros.

The GFA’s decision to form a committee underscores the seriousness with which they approach the task of appointing a new coach. The three-week timeline indicates a sense of urgency, suggesting a desire to have the new coach in place promptly to prepare for upcoming competitions and address the team’s performance issues.

In assessing potential candidates, the GFA is likely to scrutinize their track record in terms of achievements and success. A winning history is crucial, as it aligns with the association’s mandate to bring glory to Ghanaian football.

The emphasis on at least 15 years of coaching experience reflects a desire for a seasoned individual who has weathered the challenges of coaching over an extended period.

Furthermore, the importance placed on the coach’s alignment with Ghana’s football DNA and the national team’s ethos is indicative of the GFA’s commitment to preserving the unique identity and style of play associated with Ghanaian football.

This suggests that the association is not merely looking for a coach with a successful track record but also one who can seamlessly integrate into the existing football culture.

The qualities of being a disciplinarian and tactician are crucial elements for the incoming coach. Discipline is essential in maintaining order within the team and ensuring that players adhere to professional standards. Tactician skills are vital for devising effective strategies on the field, adapting to different opponents, and maximizing the team’s strengths.

The composition of the search committee reflects a mix of football expertise, legal acumen, administrative experience, and a link to Ghanaian football’s rich history. While concerns have been raised about Mark Addo’s leadership, it’s important to acknowledge the diversity within the committee, bringing together individuals with varied perspectives and insights.

In navigating the selection process, the committee is likely to learn from past mistakes and seek to avoid the pitfalls that led to the ineffective coaching tenure of Milovan Rajevac. The scrutiny on Addo’s previous involvement in coach selection indicates a commitment to accountability and a willingness to reassess and rectify past errors.

As the committee begins its task, there is anticipation and expectation from the Ghanaian football community. The outcome of this coaching selection process will not only shape the future of the Black Stars but also impact the broader landscape of Ghanaian football.

The GFA’s mandate for a winning coach with a substantial coaching background reflects a determination to elevate the national team’s performance and restore faith among football enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the stringent criteria set by the GFA for the selection of the next coach for the Black Stars underscore a commitment to excellence and a desire to rectify past shortcomings.

The search committee’s composition, while raising concerns, also brings together a diverse set of skills and perspectives. As the committee embarks on its task, the football community eagerly awaits the appointment of a coach who can lead the Black Stars to success and bring pride to Ghanaian football.