Augustine Arhinful
Augustine Arhinful

Former Ghana striker, Augustine Arhinful has urged Ghanaians to throw their support behind newly appointed head coach of the Black Stars, CK Akunnor.

The 45-year-old has penned down a two year deal with the Ghan FA following Kwesi Appiah’s contract expiration in December 2019.

Akunnor was drafted onto the Black Stars technical bench in October ahead of Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations doubleheader against South Africa and Sao Tome.

Despite having no much experience coaching a national team, Arhinful, who played alongside the former Kotoko trainer in the Black Stars says massive support from Ghanaians will propel Akunnor to succeed.

“Since I am not God, I cannot tell if Akonnor will succeed in winning us a trophy and so, we will only have to hope that he will be able to do it for us,” he said.

“However, I need to say that I do not understand why some people think we are not capable of handling the Black Stars and so, we need an expatriate. Some of us played football outside the country and played for the Black Stars too and so, we saw the work of foreign coaches.

He continued, “All our state institutions are managed by Ghanaians and so, I find it difficult to understand why we question our own ability to run the Black Stars. What is the duty of the national team coach? He is to scout and bring the best players and at most, there will be 23 of those players. His job to put those players together to make a good side.

“Akonnor can succeed but he needs a little fortune and a lot of support. Once that support comes, he will be able to succeed.”

CK Akunnor will be assisted by David Duncan.

Source: Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah