Ghanaian football legend Mohammed Polo has attributed Ghana's recent football struggles to the lack of a distinct football identity within the current football structure. He emphasized the importance of learning from past approaches to help Ghana regain its status as a powerhouse in African football.
In an interview with GNA Sports, Polo, a former Hearts coach, highlighted the weak local league system as a major contributor to Ghana's poor performance, citing the Black Stars' disappointing display at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as evidence.
Polo stressed the need to develop a strong football identity rooted in the local league and juvenile system, rather than relying solely on foreign coaches. He advocated for the identification and development of talented local players who understand the Ghanaian football system, with the inclusion of a few foreign players to complement the team.
Drawing from past successes, Polo referenced the approach used by late coach Sam Arday, which yielded positive results for Ghanaian football. He emphasized the importance of revisiting such strategies to revitalize the sport in the country.
Regarding the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) plans to appoint a new coach following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, Polo cautioned against rushing the process. He suggested taking time to find the right candidate and advocated for broader stakeholder consultation to determine the long-term coaching direction for the Black Stars.
Polo expressed confidence in the capabilities of local coaches to lead the national team, stressing the need for self-belief and support for homegrown talent. He emphasized the importance of nurturing local coaching talent and avoiding over-reliance on expensive foreign appointments.
In conclusion, Polo urged a return to grassroots development and a renewed focus on local football identity as essential steps towards Ghana's football resurgence.
