Ghana
Football Association shortlists three for Black Stars coach
Accra (Greater Accra) 12 April - The steamy race for the job of handling the Black Stars reached a heart-throbbing finish last Wednesday when the eight applicants, according to inside sources, were shortlisted to three. The three who were separated from the rest after the narrowing down of the race were Englishman Ian Porterfield, Yugoslav Zivadinovic Millan and Polish Antoni Tiechniczek.
They were expected to be contacted by the FA for
negotiations on their terms, after which one of them will be picked for the
job. The three were selected after a meeting between the Ministry of Youth and
Sports and the Ghana Football Association. Their selection will no doubt stir
further cogitation this week, as notable absentees from the list include
Burkhard Ziese and Giuseppe Dossena.
Previously, whispers amongst the football fraternity had
indicated that the battle for Ghana’s top managerial post was to be a two-horse
race between the pair. After all, both had previous experience as former
managers of the Black Stars in 1992 and 1998 respectively. However, ironically
it is this very fact that ensured they were not shortlisted as sources said the
GFA had indicated in no uncertain terms that they wished to start afresh,
leaving the recent failings of the national side in the past where they belong.
The FA believed that the only way to do this is by employing fresh blood and
staying clear of any controversies.
While allowing the GFA to have its way in the matter, the
ministry, however, stressed that what is crucial is that the nation finds the
best coach at an affordable bargain, regardless of whether or not the coach has
managed the side before. As such while both Ziese and Dossena have been left
out in the cold, there are signs to suggest that there may be a window of
opportunity for them to be reconsidered should the three shortlisted fail to
meet the terms of the FA.
Three others ruled out of contention are Argentine Carlos
Percini, American Alan Jeffers and Croat Marljan Vlak. Sources said the
Ministry of Youth and Sports had stated categorically that the nation cannot
afford to pay a sum beyond a certain specified limit and therefore “only the
best and affordable coach will be hired”.
By Thursday evening, the former coach of the Polish national side, Tiechniczek, and veteran Millan had already been contacted. Tiechniczek’s other credentials include two spells as head coach of Tunisian club side Esperance, while highlights of Millan’s illustrious career include taking charge of the Yugoslav and Saudi national teams. The FA was unable to make a quick contact with Ian Porterfield although it is still pursuing him.
The elusive Englishman has had a stint with Warriors of Zimbabwe. His other credentials include coaching both the Zambian and Oman national sides, whilst back in the UK he has had stints at two prestigious clubs in the shape of Dundee United and Chelsea. If any one of the three currently on the FA’s ‘wanted list’ can agree terms with the FA then an appointment could well be made soon to end the current headless situation of the Black Stars.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 12 April 2002 - Kumasi Asante Kotoko face a high mountain to climb in the South African city of Cape Town on Saturday evening when they face local side, Santos. Kotoko are now the lone ranger from Ghana in continental competition following the elimination of Accra Hearts of Oak and Goldfields from their respective events.
That feeling of loneliness in Africa seems to have fuelled
their resolve to make the best out of their continental adventure after an
impressive start against Angolan side, Athletico Sonangol. The 4-2 aggregate
victory over Sonangol would be put to a bigger test by Santos who are on the
threshold of history in South African football. The 'People's Team' has almost
clinched the South African Premier League title and an impressive Cup Winners
Cup campaign would be the springboard for a Champions League debut for them
next year.
Kotoko are old horses in African football with a pedigree that can be matched by just a few sides. But after years of underachievement they are picking up the pieces, and the continental campaign is also the launching pad they need for brighter years ahead. They have also shown tremendous improvement lately but against Santos the Porcupine Warriors face a side whose performance this season is frightening, to say the least.
In fact, the entire Kotoko team can attest to Santos'
current form after watching them defeat AmaZulu last Tuesday. And for a side
that has played 32 league games so far, they look more tested and battle-ready.
Kotoko's strength lies in a rock-solid defence and an attack that is beginning
to show some bite. But they will encounter a side that has lost just four
league games and scored 45 goals, and led in attack by Bafana Bafana striker
Bradley August.
Santos' coach, Gordon Igesund, is very hopeful of a good
result at the Greenpoint Stadium. "Obviously with the league now ours, we
can concentrate on our continental competition. Fortunately, I know Kotoko
well," Igesund told the local media on Thursday.
But Kotoko's coach, Ernst Middendorp, is also leaving nothing to chance. He has intimated that he expects their worst performance to be a draw. That confidence comes from a position of strength, having held Sonangol to a 2-2 draw away. And with experience from the Vodacom challenge Cup last year, the Kotoko players must be accustomed to South African style of football. And given the rivalry between Ghana and the Rainbow nation, it becomes even more important for Kotoko not to drop their guards. On current form they are capable of holding their own against Santos.
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Accra (Greater Accra) 12 April 2002 - The goal scorers in the one-week old Premier league.
2 - Ernest Papa Arko (liberty), Joe Agyeman (K. Faisal)
1 - Charles Taylor, Laryea Kingston (Hearts) Godwin Ablordey, Michael Osei (Kotoko) Kenneth Ababio (Goldfields) James Amartey (Olympics) Andrew Antwi (BA United), Kwabena Opoku, Osei Bonsu (Okwawu) Issah Shaibu (Maxbees) Samuel Owusu (Power) Mutalib Abdul (Hasaacas) Albert Ayikade, Mohammed Baker (RTU) Kennedy Ayew (Mines Stars).
GRi…/
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