Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions FC have officially announced the appointment of Ibrahim Tanko as the club’s new Sporting Director.
Tanko who holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate, has agreed a contract and will start work immediately in the new role created to reflect the future ambitions of the club
The 44-year-old’s role will see him shape the activities of the senior team while giving a laser-guided focus to the methods of the club’s academy.
The former Black Stars assistant coach will also lead the restructuring of the process of recruitment at the club.
After landing the service of Ibrahim Tanko, the Accra Lions CEO Nana Obiri Yeboah said: “We are absolutely pleased that Tanko has agreed to work in the role of a Sporting Director of the club.
“His immense playing and coaching experience makes him the right person for the job at this important phase of the club. We are certain he will bring his playing experience and coaching knowledge to bear at Accra Lions and help us achieve our cherished ambitions.”
Speaking about his appointment, Ibrahim Tanko also said, “I am extremely proud and happy to be taking the role of the Sporting Director of Accra Lions Football Club on this exciting project.
“I would like to thank the club, the leadership, management, players and supporters for the warm welcome and for placing their faith in me. I want to assure them that together with all my colleagues, we will do our utmost best to consolidate the solid and continuous growth at the club.”
Ibrahim Tanko is a seasoned Ghanaian trainer having coached at the highest levels in world football including working with professional clubs in Germany and Japan.
He was the assistant coach of German sides Freiburg and FC Cologne before travelling to Japan to work with Urawa Red Diamonds.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker worked with the Cameroonian senior national team as their assistant coach before leaving to occupy a similar position with the Black Stars in 2017.
Two years later he was named the head coach of the Black Meters, Ghana’s U23 side, and led them to the Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Egypt.