A Veteran’s Doubt Amid Ghana’s Coaching Revamp

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) recently made sweeping changes to the Black Stars’ technical setup, but not everyone is convinced it’s the right move. Veteran coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has labeled the restructuring as an “act of desperation,” questioning the necessity of such an extensive backroom team.

In a conversation with Peace FM, Sarpong voiced his skepticism, emphasizing that Ghanaian football’s success has never relied on excessive modernization. He recalled past eras, like CK Gyamfi’s reign, when trophies were won without the aid of laptops or video analysts.

“Are these people going to play the World Cup? That is a complete team by itself! This is desperation. The GFA should have engaged stakeholders who truly understand Ghanaian football,” he remarked.

The GFA, however, defends its decision, citing a thorough review of last year’s AFCON qualifiers as the catalyst for change. The new setup includes German coach Winfried Schäfer as Technical Advisor and Director of Football, alongside a video analysis unit led by Belgian expert Gregory De Grauwe and a sports psychologist in Kris Perquy. Head coach Otto Addo and assistant Desmond Ofei now carry the weight of proving this overhaul is more than just a knee-jerk reaction.

With mixed reactions from football stakeholders and fans alike, the coming months will determine whether this gamble pays off or if Sarpong’s fears hold true.