Bashiru Hayford: ‘I haven’t had any proper meal’ after comments on Ghanaian coaches
Former Black Queens head coach Bashiru Hayford says recent comments questioning the credentials of Ghanaian coaches have left him deeply disappointed and even made him regret pursuing 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 local coaches to work as assistants to Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.
According to Acheampong, however, none of the coaches recommended had a sufficiently strong track record to justify their inclusion in Queiroz’s technical team.
The comments have sparked concern among some members of Ghana’s coaching fraternity, with Hayford arguing that such assertions could damage the reputation of local coaches and limit their opportunities both at home and abroad.
Speaking in an interview with Connect FM, the veteran coach said the situation had affected him emotionally and left him questioning his decision to remain in the profession.
“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 trainer also questioned how Ghanaian coaches could build the credentials required to secure international opportunities if they are not given the chance to work alongside established foreign coaches.
Hayford believes working with a coach of Queiroz’s stature would provide valuable exposure and experience for local coaches while also strengthening their profiles for future opportunities.
“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.