Kwasi Appiah tips Essien, Ayew, Gyan to become successful coaches; advises ‘reserved' Essien

Former Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah has identified three players whom he believes will make a successful transition from playing to coaching.

Kwasi Appiah is currently without a job following the GFA’s decision not to renew his contract with the Black Stars which ended on December 31, 2019.

In his accumulated eight and half years spell as assistant and head of the Black Stars, Kwasi Appiah met a host of footballers from diverse backgrounds with different attitudes and perspectives to life and football.

Among the numerous players he encountered in his line of duty, Kwesi Appiah expects Michael Essien, Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan to become successful if they decide to venture into that profession.

Speaking to Kumasi-based Otec FM, Appiah said that the players have the qualities to be great coaches.

On Dede Ayew, he remarked that the Swansea City is a motivator which is a major trait of any successful coach.

He noted that the usually ‘reserved’ Michael Essien will have to get out his shells if he was to become an accomplished manager.

“It is not every player who likes the coaching job. Most of them feel there is too much pressure in the coaching job so they don’t want to get into that. Players who usually become good coaches are the ones who are leaders on the field. They know how to control, motivate and calm their players. So they carry that attitude into coaching”.

“Asamoah Gyan has the qualities. Dede can also motivate his players so I won’t be surprised if he becomes a coach. Someone like Essien can be a good coach but the only problem is that he must learn to be closer to his players because he is reserved”, he said.

Kwasi Appiah is said to be in talks with the Sudanese FA to take over as the new head coach of their national team.

A recent development in the football space has seen coaching become the preferred jobs for most of the retired footballers.

Current Black Stars coach CK Akonnor, Kotoko head coach Maxwell Konadu, Ibrahim Tanko are just a few examples of ex-players who are making it as coaches.