Dujkovic resigns as Ghana coach

.... Left Ghana on Friday
Ratomir Dujkovic has resigned as coach of Ghana after leading the Black Stars to the second round of the World Cup.

Despite widespread calls for him to stay at the helm after Ghana's impressive performance at the World Cup, the Serbian coach has decided to leave.


The 60 year-old Serbian tendered in his resignation letter dated July 13 citing his health as the reason for his action.


"This decision has become necessary due to my health situation," Dujkovic said in his letter.


Even though Dujkovic resigned citing health reasons, fierce criticism he has received from a section of the Ghanaian media could have also forced his hand.


"Some journalists have been against me from the first day that I have arrived in Ghana because they were against a foreign coach," Dujkovic told BBC Sport two weeks ago.


"I have to say that this has been very, very difficult for me.

"But my results have spoken for themselves, as to my capabilities as a coach."


Dujkovic is now in the frame to take over the national side of his country after admitting interest in the job following the resignation of Ilija Petkovic last month.


Serbia are without a manager a month before their first international match as an independent nation following the split with Montenegro.


Dujkovic, whose two-year contract with the Ghana Football Association runs out in December left Accra on Friday.


He lead the Black Stars to the second round in their maiden World Cup appearance.


The former Rwandan coach thanked his employers for the good working relationship he enjoyed.

"I wish to thank the Ghana Football Association for the opportunity I had to work with them and wish Ghana well in all her endeavours," the statement added.


The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi in an interview with ghanafa.org stated that the FA would be making a formal statement on the resignation of Ratomir Dujkovic by Wednesday.


Ratomir Dujkovic agreed a two-year deal to be coach of Ghana in December 2004.


He replaced Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto, who quit as coach in September.