The void that was created by the Sacking of immediate past Black stars head coach Chris Houghton created a room for the appointment of a new manager to handle the men’s national team.
Houghton was sacked following the early exit of the Black stars in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory coast, hence the need to get a replacement.
For this purpose, a five-member committee was instituted by the Ghana football Association (GFA) to evaluate and recommend a candidate for approval by the Executive Council of the football association.
The GFA outlined a five-point criteria for selecting the next coach to succeed Houghton as the next head coach:
1. The potential Head Coach should be a proven winner in coaching Top Men’s National Team or Club Football
2. Must have a football philosophy that aligns or compliments our DNA
3. Must hold the highest football license in the world with over 15 years coaching experience
4. Proven track record in team reconstruction, organization and development of young talent
5. Proven disciplinarian, tactician and leadership skills
Following deliberations, Former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo was reappointed by the GFA as the man for the job. This decision by The GFA has raised several critical questions by football fans about the reappointment of Otto Addo, with many describing him as one who does not fit the criteria that was set for selecting him as Coach. While others have also raised questions about why he has been brought back after he resigned as Ghana’s coach following their 2022 FIFA World Cup group-stage elimination in Qatar.
Addo was head of the team with assistance from George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani after being appointed in March with Hughton serving as the technical advisor of the team.
The 47-year-old former Ghana international replaced the sacked Milovan Rajevac in February 2023, initially as interim boss, and was given a deal until the end of December 2023. He also has the role of talent coach at German side Borussia Dortmund.
The Save Ghana Football movement has expressed concerns over the Ghana Football Association’s decision to appoint Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars. The group, known for its activism in the management of Ghana football, questioned the composition of Addo’s backroom staff and criticized the GFA for what they perceive as insensitivity to the Ghanaian public. They highlighted remarks made by Addo after Ghana’s exit from the 2022 World Cup, which they believe disqualify him from representing the country.
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, Otto Addo was reinstated as head coach of the Black Stars, with John Paintsil, Fatawu Dauda, and Joseph Laumann joining his backroom staff. The Football movement questioned the search committee, led by Mark Addo, on how they selected Addo when he reportedly did not meet the criteria they had publicized.
The group’s criticisms of Otto Addo’s appointment and the composition of his staff have raised doubts about the decision-making process within the GFA. The movement believes that Addo’s previous remarks and alleged lack of qualification should have been taken into consideration before his reappointment. As Addo prepares to lead the Black Stars in upcoming matches, the controversy surrounding his selection continues to be a point of contention for those advocating for reform in Ghanaian football.
Despite these concerns, Otto Addo is set to lead the Black Stars in upcoming international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in Marrakech, Morocco.
The way forward as the new Black stars head Coach
Otto Addo left an important message for the next Black Stars coach after announcing his resignation following the team’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup.
The former Ghana international said whoever is appointed as the new coach must be confident in his ability to carry out his ideas regardless of the pressure he may face.
“Be himself, fulfil his ideas no matter who tries to come between but he should listen to his coaching staff, take advice and if there is anything I can do to help, I am always there,” he said.
Otto Addo’s advice remains a timely and relevant one to guide him as the newly appointed coach of the Black stars. This is the time for him to fulfill his ideas for the senior national team and also be confident in his role as the head coach resisting external influence characteristic of the Black Stars coaching job. Otto Addo should also be willing to take advice from stakeholders because it is in so doing that the glory of the Black Stars can be restored.
In closing, Despite the issues surrounding the method of his return, we can only wish Otto Addo well in his new role as we all look forward to a better Black Stars.
By: Samuel Nii Adjetey
adjeteysamuel833@gmail.com
The Writer is a final Student at the University of Media Arts and Communication- Institute of Journalism (UNIMAC-IJ) Formerly known as Ghana institute of Journalism (GIJ).