"Coaches must be given independent role to play" - Dr. Rashid Pelpuo
- Think News Online
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Former Youth and Sports Minister, Rashid Pelpuo has called for full independence for the coach of the Ghana national football team, stressing that technical decisions must be made objectively and without external interference.
Speaking exclusively with Thinknewsonline.com on the sidelines of the yet-to-be announced Black Stars squad, a coach must be allowed to select players based on merit, quality, and tactical needs rather than public pressure or outside influence.
“It is important to be strong. The coach must be objective in choosing players for particular positions. He must already know the qualities he is looking for before searching for the players,” he stated.
The Former Sports Minister now Labour and Employment Minister, recalled his time as a government official overseeing sports matters, revealing that he always respected the independence of coaches and never imposed players on them.
“When I was a minister, I always insisted that the coach should be left alone. I never proposed to him to take this player or that player. I only encouraged him to do the right thing,” he explained.
He recounted Ghana’s campaign in Angola, where the team came under heavy criticism after losing its opening match, but he maintained confidence in the technical team, which eventually guided Ghana to the finals.
“When we went to Angola, we were criticized after losing the first match, but I still believed in the coach, and eventually he took us to the finals,” he added.
He further advised the technical team to encourage disciplined and intelligent football, particularly around Ghana’s penalty area.
He cautioned players against unnecessary dribbling in dangerous areas and urged them to adopt quick passing to reduce costly mistakes.
“The players should avoid holding on to the ball for too long near our post. They should pass quickly and create opportunities instead of unnecessary dribbling,” he stressed.
According to him, players should also develop the confidence to take shots whenever opportunities arise, noting that unexpected efforts on goal often produce important results.
“Sometimes the shots that may not even look necessary are the ones that eventually bring goals,” he noted.
He, however, clarified that he was not attempting to coach the team, but merely offering observations as a passionate supporter of Ghana football.
“I am not trying to coach the team, but the boys must be encouraged not to play too much with the ball around the midfield and near the 18-yard box. We want quick passing and effective football,” he concluded.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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