Afcon 2023: We must identify what we want to do with our national team – Jerome Otchere
A former Editor of Kotoko Express, Jerome Otchere, has attributed the senior national team’s underwhelming performance to fundamental flaws in its management.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Otchere firmly placed the blame on the shoulders of stakeholders including the Sports Ministry, asserting that Ghana has failed to establish a clear and comprehensive vision for the Black Stars.
According to him, the absence of a well-defined plan has been a significant factor in the team’s recent struggles on the continental stage.
His assertion comes after Ghana suffered a defeat in its first match in the ongoing Afcon against Cape Verde on Sunday.
He emphasized that the traditional approach of allocating funds only when the team qualifies for a tournament is insufficient.
“I do not think that as a country we have clearly identified what we want to do with our senior national team. All that we’ve been doing is when it’s time for a tournament and we’re lucky to qualify, money is made available for them to travel and that is all.
“There is no real plan as to what Ghana has been doing with the Black Stars,” he told host Evans Mensah on Monday.
Mr Otchere argued that such a reactive strategy does not address the root issues affecting the Black Stars’ performance and called for a more proactive and sustained effort from the authorities.
He further questioned the lack of a comprehensive plan for the Black Stars and urged stakeholders to prioritize the identification and pursuit of specific goals.
“Where [do] we want to take it [Black Stars] and if you’re talking about player quality, how are you nurturing players?” he stated.
On the same show, a veteran Sports Broadcaster, Karl Tufuoh concurred with the the former editor of Kotoko Express.
He was of the view that if the Ghana Football Association (GFA) would receive all the accolades when the Black Stars deliver a brilliant performance, it is fair to squarely blame them for the team’s underperformance.
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