Doya's exit sparks debate

Accra, July 17, GNA 96 The purported resignation of Black Stars coach, Ratomir 'Doya' Djukovic has sparked unending debates in the sporting circles with some supporting his move whiles others oppose it. Coach Djukovic was said to have tendered in his resignation on Saturday, five months before the expiration of his contract, citing ill health and media attacks.

Soccer enthusiast, coaches and analysts who interacted with the GNA Sports have been divided over the issue.

For many, the coach has nothing to offer again and should pave the way for fresh minds on the technical bench, adding that, it was the best decision to be taken by the Serbian.

Coach Mohammed Polo former member of Ghana Black Stars believes Doya's continuous stay in office might not be successful. Coach Polo, who has been eyeing the job for the past years' likened Doya's decision to that of Jurgen Klinsmann, coach of the German national team who resigned after leading his team to the semi finals of the 2006 World Cup.

To him that was the best the coach could offer to the nation and the time is due for local coaches to be given the opportunity to take over the job.

He did not mince words when asked whether he is still interested in the job.

A member of the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on a point of anonymity is of the view that Doya should be allowed to leave if he is not interested in the job anymore. According to the GFA member, what is important at the moment is to prepare for the various assignments, such as the impending international friendlies and 2008 Nations Cup to be hosted by Ghana.

Alhaji Raji, a football administrator also supported the decision of the coach to vacate his post.

A long time critic of the coach, Alhaji Raji noted that any other coach could have seen the team to the semi finals of the World Cup taking into consideration the level of commitment and determination displayed by the players of the Black Stars.

Some also believe the coach's assertion on the media was right because he has been subjected under unjustifiable and intensive criticisms.

Doya is on record to have masterminded the qualification of the Black Stars to its first World Cup after taking over from Sam Arday. He however failed a major test in Egypt early this year after the team fell out of the first round of the 2006 Nations Cup but redeemed his image with a second round berth at the World Cup. The Serbian is reported to be on the list of some oil rich countries as well as his country for another coaching job.