Ghanaian football has declined recently. Former Asante Kotoko coach, Aboubakar Outarra has attributed it to Ghanaian clubs seeking spiritual conjuring or using ‘juju’ instead of improving scientifically.
The last time a Ghanaian club won a continental trophy was in 2004 when Hearts of Oak clinched the CAF Confederations Cup. Apart from that, Ghanaian clubs have failed to clinch continental silverware.
Ouatarra who now serves as the technical director for Wydad Club Athletic believes Ghanaians are yet to understand the ways of football success.
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According to him, success through spirituality is a myth that will continue to cause failures if clubs do not sit up and follow the scientific approach to the game. He added that it was a major problem during his coaching days at Kotoko in the late 90s.
In an interview monitored on Accra-based Onua FM, the ex- Kotoko coach said, “I am a Muslim who prays five times a day but I haven’t seen anywhere in the Quran suggesting that you use the Quran and follow certain spiritual directions to achieve your goal as a football team.”
“That plays no role in football. Football is technical. It is about training and money. Without investing money nothing can be achieved. We fought all these things when Kwesi Appiah was my assistant coach at Kotoko. Spirituality or juju don’t play matches because it is about planning and organizing diligently.
He further urged Ghana’s government to get involved and make football investing a priority.
He continued, “Thankfully the materials to succeed are all available. There are special channels dedicated to sports so sponsors can attract them.
“The government must be fully involved in sports, particularly football.”
On the other hand, Medeama SC and Dreams FC will represent the country in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup respectively.
