Former Ghana star Abdul Razak has voiced his discontent with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding their approach to selecting a new coach for the Black Stars.
After parting ways with Chris Hughton following a lackluster Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, the GFA established a search committee to find his replacement. However, reports are circulating that the committee has already settled on ex-coach Otto Addo, despite receiving hundreds of applications from other interested candidates.
Razak, popularly known as Golden Boy who played a crucial role in Ghana’s AFCON victory in 1978, expressed his dissatisfaction with the alleged approach.
According to him, it would be unfair for the GFA to open the coaching position for applications when they already have a preferred candidate in mind.
“If the FA knew they would appoint Otto Addo, there would be no need to open applications for the Black Stars coaching job. They treat the Black Stars’ coaching position as trash,” Abdul Razak criticized during an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM.
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He further outlined his reservations about Otto Addo, stating that appointing him would be an ineffective decision.
Razak urged the GFA to take the necessary time to select the best candidate for the role, emphasizing that Otto Addo’s previous stint with the team did not yield positive results.
If Otto Addo’s appointment is confirmed, it would be his second stint with the team having led them to the 2022 World Cup.
“Otto Addo led us to the World Cup, but nothing good came from it, so why him again?” Razak questioned. “They (FA) should not try to dupe Ghanaians by opening the application when they considered appointing Otto, who knows nothing about coaching and has accomplished nothing. I will say it again that the GFA is treating the Black Stars coaching position like a refuse dump.”
Razak’s criticism follows similar sentiments expressed by another former Ghana international, Charles Taylor, who advocated for Michael Essien over Otto Addo.
Otto Addo, however, may not meet the criteria of 15 years of experience and a winning track record as demanded by the FA.
As fans eagerly await the official announcement of a new coach, uncertainty and skepticism surround the GFA’s handling of the Black Stars coaching job.