Ghana Football

Jerome Otchere’s Take: Why Hughton impressed me

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2023

Majesty

Ghana coach Chris Hughton claims he developed positive relationships with his players while serving as technical advisor

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton lived up to expectation at the press conference in Kumasi, which officially unveiled him to the Ghanaian. Some have argued that for a coach of his make, he wouldn’t underperform at a press event. I agree with that.

For any candid review, too, Chris Hughton’s responses to questions, his depth of knowledge and composure wouldn’t also escape attention. I believe he’s the coach Ghana should’ve had a year back but there’s no need elaborating on that point.

I take a leaf from a decent answer Hughton gave on the issue of interference in selection to say, we must leave the past behind and focus on the future. “All I can say is, I am the new head coach. Anything you speak of before my time here is very much something you’re bringing up. It’s in the past,” said Chris Hughton.

An AFCON qualifier awaits us on Thursday against Angola. Hughton has already named his squad. What lies ahead is what presently matters. Thus, in our forward march, Hughton made modest promises.

“I will be spending more time in Ghana. I will be watching more games. I am constantly being made aware of players who are doing well. I’ll be paying more attention to [GPL] games because it is important that we have a strong national league” he said.

“No coach can sit here and guarantee a trophy buy what I can guarantee is a strong team. We want to see a winning team”. In all, relevant questions were asked, and Hughton answered them well like the one concerning his contract. It’s been argued that discussions on his contract are needless, but that position is flawed.

When we’ve not kept a coach for long in recent years, there’s every need to ask what Hughton makes of his 21-month contract. “I have to get the right balance of what’s short-term, what’s medium term, and what’s long term. At this moment, always the most important is short-term. Winning football matches that’ll get you into a better position to when the other games come around.

“The medium term of course is making sure that you all qualify and do well in the competition itself. The longer term, of course, is about developing players and bringing players through the system and that takes time. There’s no doubt, as a team that played in the World Cup with the youngest team, we’ve to have an eye on development.

“And development can take time and sometimes this is where you need that little bit of patience from the likes of yourself, the journalists, the supporters” said Hughton. “So, the length of my contact is probably the correct length”.

That enlightened answer on his contract is why Hughton impressed me. We’ve been on this short-term Black Stars coaching business. The responses you get from people you expect to know better, is as if you’re an enemy of state who hates progress. Hughton, by that informed response and the others he gave showed why we must support him.

Source: Jeromeotchere.com

Ghana Football

Bashir Hayford explains why he sat at the middle of the park in Bechem

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2024

Majesty

"The spectators threw urine and insulted me and the players. We needed to protect ourselves, so we raced to the pitch, but to be honest, I responded to them," he told Akoma FM. "As a 30-year lover of the game, I had never seen anything like this before. It was more like a fight than a football match."

Bashir Hayford, the head coach of the Hearts of Oak Lions, delayed his team’s game against Bechem United on Saturday by sitting in the centre of the pitch due to biassed officiating.

During the game at Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Hayford took a seat in the centre of the pitch, forcing a 20-minute stoppage in play.

The legendary Ghanaian trainer’s actions were in protest of what was described as one-sided officiating.

“The spectators threw urine and insulted me and the players. We needed to protect ourselves, so we raced to the pitch, but to be honest, I responded to them,” he told Akoma FM.

“As a 30-year lover of the game, I had never seen anything like this before. It was more like a fight than a football match.”

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Following a brief break, Hayford left the field, allowing the game to resume. Despite playing with one man down, Bechem averted a loss on the day.

The draw drops Lions into the relegation zone, three points below Bofoakwa Tano, who sits above it.

Ghana Football

Samartex coach hints on readiness for Africa next season

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2024

Majesty

Recognising the obstacles of CAF tournaments, Coach Nurudeen emphasised the significance of bolstering his team with experienced players to handle the demanding event. He cited Dreams FC's outstanding achievement in the tournament this season as a model for FC Samartex to emulate, and expressed trust in management and the board of directors. Drawing inspiration from Dreams FC's surprising success, Coach Nurudeen emphasised the need of effort, commitment, and organisational support in accomplishing their objectives. He also emphasised the financial benefits of participating, citing the ability to exhibit their talents to international clubs, which may generate income for the club.

Nurudeen Adamu, FC Samartex 1996 coach, says his team is keen to represent Ghana in the CAF inter-club tournament next season if they win the Premier League this season.

The Samreboi-based team presently leads the Premier League standings with 52 points after 28 games, with around seven matches remaining in the 2023/24 season.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Coach Nurudeen reaffirmed his team’s ambition to play in the CAF Champions League next season, saying that nothing will stop them from taking advantage of the opportunity to represent the country on the continental scene.

Recognising the obstacles of CAF tournaments, Coach Nurudeen emphasised the significance of bolstering his team with experienced players to handle the demanding event.

He cited Dreams FC’s outstanding achievement in the tournament this season as a model for FC Samartex to emulate and expressed trust in management and the board of directors.

Drawing inspiration from Dreams FC’s surprising success, Coach Nurudeen emphasised the need for effort, commitment, and organisational support in accomplishing their objectives.

He also emphasised the financial benefits of participating, citing the ability to exhibit their talents to international clubs, which may generate income for the club.

Despite the financial hardship and the need for experience, Coach Nurudeen insisted that FC Samartex was brave enough to achieve its goals.

He reaffirmed their commitment to following Dreams FC’s lead and indicated a willingness to overcome any obstacles that may arise in their quest for CAF inter-club aspirations.

Meanwhile, FC Samartex will meet Real Tamale United on matchday 29 at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex this weekend.

Ghana Football

CAF Confed. Cup: Zamalek book final spot after crashing Dreams in Kumasi

Published

7 days ago

April 29, 2024

Majesty

Despite producing several excellent opportunities, Dreams FC failed to convert, as Zamalek maintained a comfortable lead at halftime. Mostafa Shalaby scored 15 minutes into the second half to increase Zamalek's advantage to three goals. Despite Dreams FC's late scoring efforts, they were unable to hit the back of the goal, and Zamalek easily defeated them, ending Dreams FC's excellent run in the league. Dreams FC has now turned their attention to the Ghana Premier League, where they have three great games.

Dreams FC’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday afternoon with a loss to Zamalek SC.

The Ghana Premier League team lost 3-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in the second leg of their semifinal match.

Zamalek took an early lead when Hamza Mathlouthi scored in the 12th minute, capitalising on Dreams’ defensive failure on a set piece.

15 minutes later, Samson Akinyoola increased Egypt’s advantage, putting further pressure on the hosts.

Despite producing several excellent opportunities, Dreams FC failed to convert, as Zamalek maintained a comfortable lead at halftime.

Mostafa Shalaby scored 15 minutes into the second half to increase Zamalek’s advantage to three goals.

Despite Dreams FC’s late scoring efforts, they were unable to hit the back of the goal, and Zamalek easily defeated them, ending Dreams FC’s excellent run in the league.

Dreams FC has now turned their attention to the Ghana Premier League, where they have three great games.