Change is coming to Ghana sports - Odotei

Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - An aspiring President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Vincent Sowah Odotei has promised tremendous changes in the development of the game if given the mandate.

Mr Odotei has made clear his intentions to contest the top seat of the GFA at next year's elections and has undertaken drastic measures towards capturing the hottest seat in Ghana football.

The King Faisal Chief Executive Officer told GNA Sports that he has prepared a 13-page document, captioned "Bringing Change, Bringing Hope" which addresses relevant topics relating to the development of the sport in the country.

Mr Odotei noted that the content of the document is geared towards giving a new definition to the dwindling fortunes of Ghana football.

"If we do not change and keep saying this is the way we do things and as such only the people involved should manage, we stand the risk of rewarding people unwarrantedly with the toils of the nation."

The Faisal Chief Executive said it will take a developed, viable and sustainable professional football system through well-established youth and women development structure, increased private sector participation, technical infrastructure, while retaining the passion in the game to turn the poorly developed unattractive football system in the country.

Mr Odotei said he has diagnosed some of the challenges accounting for the nosedive of the local League, hence the low patronage of the matches due no clear long term football development strategy, poor administration, inept league structuring and scheduling, low standard and none encouraging competent professionals, among others.

"Good vision, managerial and leadership competence is the way forward and this demands core skills, academic qualification, training and competency that is relevant experience in strategic management, will do the trick."

Mr Odotei mentioned innovations such as expanding the annual Top Four competition to six teams, playing colts matches at big stadia and sponsorship for the lower divisions and Women's football as a drastic step towards reviving the sport on the local scene.

"The document also has technical solutions that will see the FA inviting foreign coaches to train all FA affiliated local ones of clubs from bi-annually to two years, conduct bi-annual training programmes for all referees as well as pro-actively encourage CAF's policy of exchange with UEFA.

"I am confident I will bring change to Ghana sports if I'm given the chance in the forthcoming elections."

The GFA will hold elections for new executives next year at a date to be determined by the Executive Committee of the Association.