How to resolve AdBlock issue? CK Akonnor Exposes Turmoil in Black Stars Player Selection
Monday, 25 November 2024 | Ghana
Former Black Stars coach CK Akonnor has revealed troubling details about the player selection process during his tenure, calling it a challenging and disorganized experience. Akonnor, who led the team for 21 months between 2020 and 2021, spoke candidly about his struggles with interference and lack of collaboration within the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the ex-Wolfsburg captain shared that defending his player selections to members of the GFA often created tension. “As a coach, you draw the list of players you want to use based on what you want to do,” Akonnor explained. “Obviously, other members of the FA will also bring their views on board, but it was sometimes uncomfortable.”
While he acknowledged the importance of teamwork and oversight in football management, Akonnor lamented that the process was far from collaborative. “In my case, it wasn’t a situation where we were working together. It was a mess. When I went in to justify my selections, it was always very uncomfortable,” he said.
These revelations have reignited debates among football enthusiasts who have long suspected undue influence in Black Stars player selection. The team’s struggles in recent years have only heightened these concerns, with Ghana failing to progress beyond the knockout stages of any major competition since 2019.
Akonnor’s tenure as coach ended in 2021 after a poor start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His comments highlight the deep-rooted challenges facing Ghana’s national team, particularly in governance and decision-making.
The Black Stars’ recent failures, including missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have further strained the relationship between fans and the GFA. Akonnor’s claims point to a broader issue of mismanagement that may hinder the team’s progress on the global stage.
As Ghana continues to reflect on its footballing future, Akonnor’s candid remarks serve as a stark reminder of the need for reforms within the GFA. Building a cohesive team that prioritizes merit and transparency in decision-making could be pivotal in restoring the Black Stars to their former glory.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the ex-Wolfsburg captain shared that defending his player selections to members of the GFA often created tension. “As a coach, you draw the list of players you want to use based on what you want to do,” Akonnor explained. “Obviously, other members of the FA will also bring their views on board, but it was sometimes uncomfortable.”
While he acknowledged the importance of teamwork and oversight in football management, Akonnor lamented that the process was far from collaborative. “In my case, it wasn’t a situation where we were working together. It was a mess. When I went in to justify my selections, it was always very uncomfortable,” he said.
These revelations have reignited debates among football enthusiasts who have long suspected undue influence in Black Stars player selection. The team’s struggles in recent years have only heightened these concerns, with Ghana failing to progress beyond the knockout stages of any major competition since 2019.
Akonnor’s tenure as coach ended in 2021 after a poor start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His comments highlight the deep-rooted challenges facing Ghana’s national team, particularly in governance and decision-making.
The Black Stars’ recent failures, including missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have further strained the relationship between fans and the GFA. Akonnor’s claims point to a broader issue of mismanagement that may hinder the team’s progress on the global stage.
As Ghana continues to reflect on its footballing future, Akonnor’s candid remarks serve as a stark reminder of the need for reforms within the GFA. Building a cohesive team that prioritizes merit and transparency in decision-making could be pivotal in restoring the Black Stars to their former glory.