The issue of undue influence in player selection is a dangerous one that Ghana must address, according to Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Nii Lante Vanderpuye.
Vanderpuye, a former Youth and Sports Minister, believes that simply appointing foreign coaches like Mourinho or Guardiola won’t solve the problem unless there is a deliberate effort to tackle the issue head-on.
Instead of strictly looking for a top foreign coach, Vanderpuye is advocating for a coach who understands the Ghanaian system. “The issue is we have to look at what we want to achieve as a nation. Is it just a matter of bringing in a foreign coach?” he questioned on Citi TV.
Vanderpuye pointed out, “Today, we can all testify to the fact that, what we talk about, the undue influence, the nemesis of our local coach, is still going on.
What is the guarantee that, Herve Renard when he comes, he will not be manipulated? I am sure even if Mourinho comes, even if Pep Guardiola comes, the disease at the GFA will still linger on, if we don’t tackle that disease, it will affect them.”
These statements come in the wake of Ghana’s historic collapse at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Vanderpuye’s comments shed light on the systemic issues that need to be addressed in order for Ghanaian football to see real improvement.
