Ibrahim Sannie Daara writes: Ghanaian Media: Protecting the Black Stars from Tactical Leaks

In football, the element of surprise can be as crucial as the skill on the pitch. For the Black Stars of Ghana, this holds especially true.

Yet, the local media's hunger for early news, squad releases, and tactical revelations can undermine the national team's efforts.

England coachSouthgate's recent frustrations with his own media's leaks at the ongoing Euros should serve as a warning to Ghanaian journos and fans alike.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀

Southgate has faced significant challenges due to the English media at the Euros revealing sensitive info about his team. This includes details about team selection, player changes, and even the tactical systems England plans to use.

When this info is disclosed early, it provides opponents with a clear advantage. They can adapt their strategies and build plans to counteract England's approach effectively.

“We’re trying to win a football tournament and our own media are leaking tactical information two hours after we’ve walked off the training pitch,” Southgate lamented.

His frustration is palpable and for good reason. These leaks don't just harm the team's chances; they give opponents like Holland ample time to prepare, thus nullifying any element of surprise.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 The situation isn't unique to England. Ghana media often fall into the same trap, prioritizing all news over the NT's success. Early release of squads, starting line-ups, and tactical details may make for exciting headlines, but they also serve as a playbook for opponents. How does this benefit the BS? It doesn't.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:

- 𝗨𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: By leaking tactical info, the Ghanaian media inadvertently hand over a significant advantage to opponents. They can fine-tune their defenses and strategies, effectively countering Ghana's plans before a ball is even kicked.

- 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: When info leaks from within the camp, it sows distrust and disrupts team cohesion. Players & coaches need to feel secure that their strategies are safeguarded, not splashed across headlines.

- 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: The coach, like Southgate, faces additional pressure when tactical secrets are exposed. Their ability to make last-minute changes or spring surprises is compromised, limiting their tactical flexibility.

𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 Southgate's words should resonate deeply with the Ghanaian media: “They’ll excuse it by saying that they’ve got it from within the camp and maybe they have, but how does that help the team? How does it help the team to give the Swiss – who might have been expecting us to play differently – three days to work out what we might do?” The role of sports journalism should be to support and enhance the team's efforts not hinder them.

Here are some steps the Ghanaian media can take:

- 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: Hold off on publishing tactical details & starting line-ups until close to kick-off. This ensures opponents cannot use this information to their advantage.

- 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: In-depth analysis after the game can be just as engaging for readers, offering insights into what worked and what didn’t without jeopardizing the team's strategy.

- 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Develop a rapport with the NT where mutual respect is key.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

We as Ghanaian journos must recognize that we play a crucial role in the BS' success. Protecting tactical info isn't about stifling the media; it's about prioritizing national pride & supporting the BS in their quest for glory.

By protecting the BS' tactics & selections, we can all contribute to their success and take pride in their achievements.