Former Black Queens head coach Bashiru Hayford says recent comments questioning the credentials of Ghanaian coaches have left him deeply disappointed and emotionally affected.
Hayford was reacting to remarks by Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong, who disclosed that GFA President Kurt Okraku had asked members of the Executive Council to recommend two Ghanaian coaches to join Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz’s technical team.
Acheampong, however, revealed that none of the coaches recommended had a sufficiently strong track record to justify an appointment to Queiroz’s backroom staff.
The comments have sparked concerns among some local coaches, with Hayford arguing that such sentiments could damage the reputation of Ghanaian trainers and limit their opportunities to gain valuable international experience.
Speaking to Connect FM, the veteran coach admitted that the development had affected him on a personal level and even made him question his decision to remain in the coaching profession.
“For the last few days, I haven’t had any proper meal, and I have regretted being a coach. I have regretted upgrading my knowledge and skills as a coach,” Hayford, a former Asante Kotoko coach, said.
The experienced trainer questioned how Ghanaian coaches could build the experience and international profiles required to secure opportunities abroad if they are not given the chance to work alongside accomplished foreign coaches.
He argued that denying local coaches such opportunities could have wider consequences for their careers, particularly when foreign clubs begin looking for Ghanaian coaches.
“If you say you cannot find a single local coach to assist Carlos Queiroz, then you are blocking the chances of local coaches, especially if a foreign club wants our local coaches’ services,” he added.
Hayford’s comments come amid renewed debate over the role of Ghanaian coaches within the Black Stars setup and the need to provide local trainers with opportunities to develop at the highest level.
The former Black Queens coach is currently unattached after leaving Heart of Lions.
