Avram Be Careful

Scanning the media since your appointment as the head coach of the senior national team, all I find are machinations. I see many soccer enthusiasts demanding an 'open door policy' to enable as many players as a possible join the squad you man. Your choice as the head coach of the senior national team is a very commendable feat by the nation's football administrators. However, they need introspection to mend their ways for the growth of the sport for players, fans and watchers. The singular act of your choice douses the burning flames within the fraternity and set the tone for higher achievement by the black stars. Your accepting to work as the coach of the Black Stars suggests that the brand football that Ghana and the quality of talents in this country, combined with the passion of the over twenty four million Ghanaians must be an indication that others in the soccer business are aware of how far Ghana can get with the game if the institutions are reformed and strengthened. Now my caution, be careful in who you call up into your squad. Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince Boateng are not only difficult to manage but are also at their wit end. Do not be over magnanimous and recruit old player cronies of administrators. The pain of the just ended Brazil 2014 is still living with many a Ghanaian. We live to see how you meander that rough waters. Ghana abounds in many football talents, so much so that it is necessary and pleasing to placate old, disrespectful and almost spent injury prone players. The basket to select from is very huge; don't open too wide the gate for undesirable elements to make their way through. I dare say be careful to learn about Ghana football at first hand before you consider the doom of employing any 'open door policy'. After annexing the FIFA under 20 World Cup in 2009 and subsequently, in 2011 and 2013, the satellites have produced a large pool of talents. Again, the local league in my view, abound with many talents. Added to the numerous Ghanaian stars in various leagues around the world, your pool is equal to the ocean. Commit yourself to identifying and unearthing talents, where others have refused to look. That will set you apart from your predecessors. Note that, the Ghana Black Stars job is not Chelsea or the high flying teams in Europe that have the privilege of being backed and managed by serious minded administrators and professionals. Here in Ghana, it is not. Discover as much as possible on your own, read the history and don't be over magnanimous. Hold your own lid and remember always that this is the Ghana of Africa. If you do well, we will praise you, but if you fail, we will condemn you with the same tongues of praise.