Tanko joins Cologne coaching staff

Ibrahim Tanko has become the first Ghanaian to coach a major European side after being appointed by German side FC Cologne.

The ex-Ghana striker has been appointed to join the coaching crew of the Bundesliga side.

His first assignment is at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan as he has been appointed as the scout for new African talent.

Tanko’s appointment comes just days after quitting Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds where he was the assistant to experienced coach Volke Finke.

Tanko and his boss Finke guided Urawa Reds Diamonds to reach the quarter finals of the Japan Cup two months ago.

Finke quit the club to join German side Cologne as the sporting director and he quickly swooped for the Ghanaian to help in scouting.

Tanko was the youth team coach Freiburg before he was taken to Japan by Finke, who trusts the Ghanaian can an excellent job.

The former Ghanaian striker gained all the coaching certificates including Uefa License A after a knee injury curtailed his career.

He will take his Pro Licence Course when the season ends in May.

Even though some ex-Ghanaian players have tried their hands at coaching, most of them return home without coaching clubs there.

Tanko is thus the first to be among the top clubs while Otto Addo is also coaching a youth side in Germany.

Tanko’s progress could catapult him to one of the top clubs in the world and could pave the way of ex-Black Stars players to start coaching the national team.