I resigned from the national team because of my children – Malik Jabir

Asante Kotoko’s new technical director, Malik Jabir has revealed that he resigned from the Ghana national team to secure a better life for his children. The former striker, who played for the Black Stars in the late 1960s, was regarded as one of the finest finishers of his generation.

In an interview with Sports Heroes, the veteran striker explained why he left the national team. In March 2003, Jabir, then the assistant coach of Ghana, tendered his resignation letter, officially announcing his decision to step down.

According to Jabir, he was not receiving any salary at the time, and as a father, he felt the need to provide for his children. As a result, he chose to resign and seek better opportunities.

“I was not receiving any pay, and whenever I complained, they said they’d work on it, but they never did. So, I resigned. I wanted my kids to complete school. I invested in them, and they know it. They are the reason I left the national team and went to Burkina Faso.

“I was sending them money, paying their school fees, and taking care of everything they needed,” he revealed.

Jabir also expressed pride in how his investment in his children’s education has paid off, as they have grown to achieve successful careers.

“They’re in Accra now. My firstborn has been a lawyer for 15 years, while the second and third graduated from KNUST and Legon, respectively, and are all working,” he added.

Following his playing career, Jabir transitioned into coaching. In 2003, he coached the Ghana national team and later managed clubs such as Asante Kotoko, ASFA Yennenga in Burkina Faso, and Kano Pillars in Nigeria.

He now serves as the Technical Director under the new sporting hierarchy at Asante Kotoko.

FKA/ ADG