Appiah: I’m lucky to extend Ghana contract

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is pleased the Ghana FA has extended his contract for two more years, despite the Black Stars’ poor showing at the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

The ex-Kotoko defender was tasked to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and to guide Ghana to the semi-finals of the global showpiece, but fell short of the expectations. He still believes that the future of the team is very bright under his tutelage.

“Before the World Cup I told the media that I am not really worried about my contract with the GFA, I just wanted to concentrate on the job and make sure we do well in the World Cup," Appiah told Football411.com.

“But unfortunately that did not happen, and although we still have issues to solve at the national level, I think the future is bright for Ghana football because we saw how the team played against Germany.”

Appiah also admitted he is one of the few lucky indigenous coaches in Africa to have been favoured after his contract was extended till 2016 and is expected to receive a $100,000 signing fee, and almost double of his previous salary [from $20,000 to $36,500] adding that he will prepare Ghana to win the next edition of the Afcon.

“I am pleased to sign a contract and am delighted with the terms of the contract,” Appiah revealed. “I always say I am one of the fortunate coaches to get this job, and I am glad to get another contract with the GFA, but that is not all, I want to make sure the team qualify to the African Cup of Nations and do well by winning the competition.”

Ghana recorded her worst performance in the World Cup in Brazil having made it out of the group phase in their last two appearances.