Former Asante Kotoko coach Aboubakar Outarra has advised Ghanaian clubs to accept the scientific nature of football and work towards that rather than seeking spiritual assistance from ‘mallams' [spiritual experts related to Islam]
Ghana football has experienced a poor run in recent years with various clubs struggling in CAF inter-club competitions despite winning domestic trophies. The last time a Ghanaian club won a continental trophy was in 2004 when Hearts of Oak clinched the CAF Confederations Cup.
Ouatarra who now serves as the technical director of one of Africa's heavyweights Wydad Club Athletic believes, Ghanaians are yet to understand the deliberate ways of recording success in football.
According to him, to seek success through spirituality is a myth that will continue to cause failures if clubs do not sit up to following the scientific trend of the game.
He adds that it was a major problem during his coaching days at Kotoko in the late 90s.
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“I am a Muslim who prays five times a day but I haven't seen anywhere in the Quran suggesting that you use the Quran and follow certain spiritual directions in order to achieve your goal as a football team,” he told Onua Sports.
“That plays no role in football. Football is technical. It is about training and money. Without investing money nothing can be achieved. We fought all these things when Kwesi Appiah was my assistant coach at Kotoko. Mallams don't play matches is about planning and organizing diligently.
He further advised the government of Ghana to get involved and make investing in football a priority.
“Thankfully the materials to achieve success are all available. There are special channels[radio and tv stations] that are dedicated to only sports so they attract sponsors alike.
“The government must be fully involved in sports, particularly football,” he added.