Ghanaians urged to be patient with Chris Hughton by Sports Minister

Ghanaians urged to be patient with Chris Hughton by Sports Minister

Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has urged Ghanaians to allow the Black Stars coach more time to settle in after the team’s recent performances drew criticism.

Hughton was selected in February to manage the Black Stars after serving as the team’s technical advisor for a year. The team’s goal is to qualify for and win the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He has subsequently coached the squad in three matches, winning one and drawing the other two in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, prompting many supporters and Ghana FA officials to express their displeasure with the team’s performance.

“There is a difference between national team management and club management, but I am confident in what Chris brings as a coach.

“I believe Chris Hughton is a very experienced coach, and I have total confidence that his experience will come to bear at the appropriate time,” Hon. Ussif told Joy Sports.

“Chris has worked so hard throughout his career, and he knows the challenges that he is facing as head coach of a national team. As I said, it is not easy to manage a national team because there is a difference between managing a national team and a club,” he noted.

“The expectations are not the same. The whole country looks up to you. They expect results from you, but I think we should be patient and give Chris the opportunity, space, or time to establish himself on the national team. We will see the results when he finally settles [on what he wants to do with the team].

“I have a strong belief that the current technical team is very good, and they need the opportunity and time to deliver for Mother Ghana,” he stated.

The former Newcastle United boss will remain in command of the Black Stars when they face the Central African Republic in their last AFCON qualifier next month.