GFA President Kurt Okraku remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances of ending the country’s long trophy drought, despite the recent disappointing performances of the Black Stars at tournaments.
Okraku acknowledged the team’s poor showing at the recent AFCON in Cameroon and attributed it to a lack of quality in the squad and the team’s mindset.
However, he expressed confidence in the current team, emphasizing the significant improvement they have made. Okraku believes that with time and patience, this team can lead Ghana to success.
Okraku highlighted the importance of focusing on the team’s progress and the underlying processes rather than just the results on the pitch. He emphasized the need to assess the intangible assets of the squad, the timing for preparation, and the development of a winning team.
The GFA President acknowledged that the AFCON in Cameroon was a setback, but it served as the starting point for the process of building a strong team for Ghana. Following the criticism received, the rebuilding process began, with new personnel being brought in across all fronts.
Despite not going beyond the group stage at the World Cup, Okraku pointed out that building a winning team takes time. He acknowledged the disappointment of Ghanaians and their desire for Ghana to excel at the highest level. However, he saw this as motivation for the Executive Council to continue with the rebuilding strategy and find the right players and personnel to shape a winning team.
“I think we are on track. Obviously, the AFCON in Cameroon was a big disaster. We didn’t have the kind of players, organization, and mindset one would need to become conquerors of Africa. But that was the beginning of the process of building a good team for Ghana,” he said to SuperSport.
“We started the process of rebuilding the team, bringing on new personnel on all fronts. You can see clearly that the team that represented Ghana at the AFCON and the team of today look quite different.”
“The team didn’t go past the group stage, Ghanaians were unhappy and I appreciate that because we believe that we have to be at the apex at all times, but that served as motivation to continue with the rebuilding strategy.”
“We have an amazing group of players who are ready to die and work their socks off for Mother Ghana. The technical team currently led by Chris Hughton is a very competent one, and given the support the Football Association are offering, the support the government and the enthusiasm Ghanaians have offered this, I think the team is in the right way.”
“I believe that the big trophies that sitting presidents have always clamoured for, the big trophies that Ghanaians have always clamoured for will soon be on our shelves,” Okraku confidently stated.
Ghana’s last major trophy victory came at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982. Okraku’s belief in the ongoing rebuilding process and the potential of the current team reflects his determination to bring success back to Ghanaian football.
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