Ayew makes case for African coaches

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew says it is unfair to turn down qualified Africans from taking up the head coaching roles of their respective national teams.

The 25-year-old, who this week, picked the Marc-Viviene Foe award for the best African player in the French league this season, has admonished authorities to focus on the technical qualities of the African trainer.

Most often, these local coaches are denied the opportunities based on the perception of not having the ability or charisma to manage egos and quality at the highest level.

“I find it very unfair to be told that local coaches do not have the stature to lead their national teams,” the Ghana deputy captain said.

“If they have coached the youth teams or clubs in the countries and they were good, why not give them a chance to lead the national team? The results are there.

”It shouldn’t be about the colour but what matters is the knowledge of football the coach can provide.”

Ayew admits that immediate past Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah who guided the Black Stars to qualify for their third World Cup at Brazil 2014 but has since been replaced with Avram Grant, made a significant impact on the team during his tenure.

”The coach we [Ghana] had impacted a lot on us,” the outgoing Marseille player said.

“There are others who could make other national teams as well. Over time, we [Africa] will begin to understand that we have local coaches who are good too and can bring the team to triumph.”