Muhammad Sidat, the Head of Professional Football at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has showered praise on Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, emphasizing that Ghanaian football is in capable hands under his stewardship as the FA boss.
Sidat, currently in Ghana conducting a workshop on Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) for 15 Member Associations (MAs) of CAF along with Ghana’s Premier, Women, and Division One League Clubs, has highlighted Simeon-Okraku’s exceptional leadership qualities.
Since assuming office in 2019, President Simeon-Okraku has overseen a significant expansion and growth of the Ghana Football Association, implementing a vision aimed at rejuvenating the sport in the country.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Sidat expressed confidence in Ghana’s football trajectory under Simeon-Okraku’s leadership, citing the nation’s qualifications for the AFCON and the World Cup, ongoing regional competitions, and successes at the All Africa Games as indicators of progress.
“I am not a political guy, but I will tell you YES! What else do you want? You qualified for the AFCON. It’s not always just about the results. Even Egypt, Morocco and others also couldn’t win the AFCON. Winning the AFCON goes beyond talent. A lot of factors come to play. Did you imagined Cote D’voire was going to win the AFCON? Sometimes things just happen.”
He emphasized that while results are crucial, the overall health and vitality of football in Ghana, evidenced by various initiatives including the Women’s Football Strategy and the Catch Them Young refereeing policy, signify a positive momentum.
“Ghana qualified to the World Cup and AFCON. WAFU Zone B is taking place in Ghana at the moment. Ghana won the All Africa Games Men and Women. Dreams FC were in the semi-finals of the 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup. Now there is a CAF Licensing workshop here which is a massive event, so what else? Yes, results count but they will come!
“CAF feels Ghana is present and football is alive here. I am speaking from my personal perspective and someone involved with the 54 federations across Africa, Ghana football is in good hands and we hope that football will get better and results can add to this momentum.”
Simeon-Okraku’s relentless dedication and strategic approach have been instrumental in restoring faith in Ghanaian football, with the Ghana Football Association emerging as a pivotal force in shaping the sport’s future in the region.
