Retired players to train as coaches

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has began enlisting retired players who have aptitude for coaching into the Association's coaching programme currently taking place in the country.

Retired players like Mohammed Choo, Kwesi Owusu, Abubakari Gariba among others, have been invited to participate in the prosecution of a five-year football development plan as technical assistants while others have been attached to the Junior National Team as goalkeepers trainers.

Edward Osei Kweku, Minister for Youth and Sports was answering questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Joseph Tsatsu Agbenu,NDC- Afram Plains North, had asked what welfare programmes the Ministry of Youth and Sports was putting in place for aged and disabled sportsmen who represented the nation in international sporting activities.

The minister mentioned that employment is being offered at the National Sports Council (NSC) to those who wish to pursue career as coaches in football, hand ball and basketball. "Retired sportsmen and women who wish to watch sporting activities are issued with special identity cards, which guaranteed them free access to all stadia in Ghana to watch sporting activities organised by the National Sports Council," he added.

The minister said it has so far met with some retired sportsmen to discuss their welfare and ensure revival of the Welfare Fund, which has dried up.

Osei Kweku announced that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is also planning to establish community playing fields in Ashaiman Roman park, Kao Kudi and Madina parks in Accra and the Dogo Moro Park in Kumasi.

He therefore, urged other district assemblies, institutions and communities to initiate sports development and promotion programmes in order to receive the needed assistance from the ministry.