Former Black Queens head coach Bashir Hayford says recent comments questioning the quality and credentials of Ghanaian coaches have affected him deeply and left him reconsidering his decision to pursue a career in coaching.
Hayford was reacting to remarks made by Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong, who revealed that GFA President Kurt Okraku had asked members of the Executive Council to recommend two Ghanaian coaches to join Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz’s technical team.
According to Acheampong, however, none of the coaches recommended had a sufficiently strong track record to justify an appointment to Queiroz’s backroom staff.
The comments have sparked renewed debate about the opportunities available to Ghanaian coaches and whether local trainers are being given enough exposure to develop their careers and build the experience required at the international level.
Speaking to Connect FM, Hayford admitted that the situation had taken an emotional toll on him, revealing that it had even made him question his decision to pursue coaching and invest in his professional development.
“For the last few days, I haven’t had any proper meal, and I have regretted being a coach. I have regretted upgrading my knowledge and skills as a coach,” Hayford said.
The experienced coach questioned how Ghanaian trainers could build the international experience and reputation needed to secure opportunities abroad if they are not given opportunities to work alongside established foreign coaches.
“If you say you cannot find a single local coach to assist Carlos Queiroz, then you are blocking the chances of local coaches, especially if a foreign club wants our local coaches’ services,” he added.
Hayford believes that working alongside a coach of Queiroz’s experience could provide Ghanaian trainers with invaluable exposure, knowledge and insight into modern football, while also strengthening their professional profiles.
He argued that rather than judging local coaches solely on their existing credentials, opportunities should be created for them to gain experience in high-level environments.
The veteran trainer’s comments come at a time when discussions surrounding the development, recognition and utilisation of Ghanaian coaches have intensified, particularly following the GFA’s decision to appoint Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.
Hayford is currently unattached after leaving Heart of Lions and has previously served as head coach of the Black Queens, Ghana’s senior women’s national team.
His concerns have added another dimension to the growing debate over how Ghana can create a stronger pathway for its homegrown coaches to gain international exposure and compete for opportunities at the highest level. 🇬🇭⚽
