A member of the selection committee for the Black Stars coach, Kojo Addae Mensah, has reaffirmed that Otto Addo, the newly appointed coach of Ghana, meets the criteria outlined by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The GFA has announced the reappointment of Otto Addo as the coach of the Black Stars for the next three years.
Despite reservations from some quarters of the Ghanaian media and the public regarding Addo's suitability, Mensah asserted that Addo fulfils the benchmarks set by the FA for the appointment of a new coach.
These criteria include having a proven track record in coaching top Men’s National Teams or Clubs, possessing a football philosophy that resonates with Ghanaian football, holding the highest football license globally with over 15 years of football experience, demonstrating expertise in team reconstruction, organization, and youth talent development, as well as exhibiting discipline, tactical acumen, and leadership skills.
However, in an interview, Mensah emphasized that Otto Addo meets all aspects of the criteria, including the requirement of holding the highest football license with over 15 years of experience, which had been a point of contention.
Mensah pointed out Addo's coaching career initiation with Hamburg in 2007, indicating his extensive experience surpassing the stipulated 15-year threshold.
He highlighted Addo's achievement in guiding Ghana to qualify for the 2020 World Cup, underscoring his winning mentality and coaching prowess.
“I recall Otto Addo started his coaching career sometime in 2007 with Hamburg. This means Otto has gone beyond the 15 years required. Everybody can have an interpretation of words and conditions but Otto’s qualification to the World Cup for me is a big deal, and I think Ghanaians should also see that as a big deal.
“I don’t think many people even gave Ghanaians the chance that we’ll qualify against Nigeria to the 2020 World Cup. And I think that was very critical in proving that this guy really has a winning mentality,” he said.
Otto Addo's immediate task upon his return to the coaching role will be overseeing the friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda during the upcoming international break.