The appointment of Chris Hughton as the next Black Stars coach has elicited reactions from some section of the public. The former Technical Advisor to Otto Addo for the 2022 World Cup has been appointed as the new head coach, according to a statement released by the Ghana Football Association. The Black Stars coaching role has been vacant since Otto Addo stepped down after Ghana’s world cup exit.
In an exclusive interview with Univers Sports, some Ghanaians expressed joy at the appointment of Chris Hughton while others urged him to restore discipline in the team.
One member of the public said Chris Hughton’s appointment is an upgrade to previous coaches the team has had.
“I think the appointment of Chris is an upgrade over a the coaches that we’ve had managing the Black Stars so far. He’s a top level coach, he’s been at Brighton, Newcastle. He did a very good job in England but the question then is, will he be allowed to do what a coach should do, will be no interference like we all saw during the world cup. So that’s what matters side been a top coach. I think if he is allowed free room to operate then he can do a better job”, John told Univers Sports.
Another person urged Chris Hughton to reward deserving players with national team call up.
“Congratulations to Chris Hughton for being appointed as the new Black Stars head coach, all I do pray is that he won’t be influenced by any administrator. Players who are not deserving, who are ill fit for the national team are been called up. I do hope that Chris Hughton taking the mantle as the new Black Stars coach will do a proper call up that will reward deserving players”, Emmnauel revealed to Univers Sports.
Another individual called on Chris Hughton to ensure discipline prevails in the team to help him succeed at the helm of affairs.
“Chris Hughton wasn’t my preferred candidate though but I’ve no issue with his appointment. I’ve always been advocating for a disciplinarian. For national team football cohesion comes before tactics. A coach who can crack the whip at any point in time. one who can call the bluff of any administrator trying to interfere in his job. I think he fits well in this description. Having coached at the highest level of club of football in the premier league, I think he will do well to bring that discipline we all have been yearning for in the team. I’ll just wish him all the best”, Mary told Univers Sports.
The Ghana Football Association has also decided to maintain Assistant Coaches George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani as assistant coaches to aid Chris Hughton
Hughton’s primary goal is to help Ghana get to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ivory Coast and perhaps win the AFCON trophy that has eluded Ghana for over thirty years now.
With four points from two games, the Black Stars and Angola are joint leaders in Group E, three points ahead of Madagascar and the Central African Republic.
Story by: Rashad Usman Sinah
