Bashir Hayford
Former Black Queens head coach Bashir Hayford says recent comments about the quality and credentials of Ghanaian coaches have affected him deeply and left him questioning his decision to pursue a career in coaching.
Hayford was reacting to remarks 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 Queirozs technical team.
According to Acheampong, however, none of the coaches recommended had a sufficiently strong track record to justify an appointment to Queirozs backroom staff.
The comments have sparked concerns about the opportunities available to Ghanaian coaches, with Hayford arguing that local trainers need exposure to high-level environments if they are to develop their credentials and attract opportunities abroad.
Speaking to Connect FM, the veteran coach admitted that the situation had taken an emotional toll on him, saying it had even made him regret pursuing coaching and investing in his professional development.
For the last few days, I havent 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 trainer questioned how Ghanaian coaches could build the experience and international reputation required to secure opportunities overseas if they are not given the chance 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 working alongside an experienced coach such as Queiroz could provide Ghanaian trainers with valuable exposure, knowledge and international experience that could strengthen their profiles.
His comments come at a time when the debate over the development and utilisation of Ghanaian coaches has intensified, particularly following the GFAs decision to appoint Queiroz to lead the Black Stars.
Hayford is currently unattached after leaving Heart of Lions and has previously served as head coach of the Black Queens, Ghanas senior womens national team.
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