A former president of the Ghana Football Association Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on the state to honour ex-Black Stars player Stephen Appiah with a coaching course in a “very good footballing institution” that, according to him, will prepare the player to take up an appointment as Black Stars coach in the foreseeable future.
“The state must reward Appiah and this must take the form of a sponsorship for a coaching course in a very good football institution to learn contemporary football management. He has done a lot for Ghana football. This obviously will make him better when he is done and maybe get to follow in the footsteps of C.K Gyamfi as coach of the Black Stars,” he said.
On whether he thinks it was right for the player to announce his retirement from international football at this time of his career, he said: “taking timely and critical decisions in a way that would please everybody, is the hallmark of any good leader. A good leader knows when to leave the scene and that is what Appiah has just made”.
He was of particular praise for the selfless dedication of Appiah towards the national team during his captainship, adding that aside the numerous benefits he enjoyed as captain, he gained a considerable amount of goodwill across board.
“This is someone who was respected throughout: from coaches, players, football fans and the FA leadership. He qualified us for all our two consecutive World Cups including our first in Germany. He stands tall among his peers and more than anything, set a very good precedent for future captains of the Black Stars to follow. His outstanding quality on and off the field enabled him to blend with the old and new faces in the team. He was a devoted footballer who will do anything for his country to the extent that even on occasions when it seemed he was done, he came back so strong. This is an enviable feat. Not all captains are able to do that,” he concluded.
Editor’s Note:
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe served in the President Kufuor-led administration as Chairman of the Ghana Football Association and subsequently as an ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro.
Contact: For any other information on this release, please call:
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe 0243677444
