Black Stars coach search committee denies government interferance

GFA vice president Fred Pappoe

The vice president of the Ghana Football Association and a member of the nine-man committee tasked to search for a new coach for the Black Stars, Mr. Fred Pappoe, has denied any government interference in its work.

Mr. Pappoe in an interview with Happy Sports Tuesday said there is a need for football enthusiasts to be circumspect in their comments as the committee readies to wrap up its work on a new coach to take over the reins of the senior national soccer team.

It was reported on Monday that the search committee had shortlisted five persons, including Ghanaian born former France captain, Marcel Dessaille who is being touted as the government's favorite.

But Mr. Pappoe said the committee was liaising very well with the government when the need arises, stressing however that they maintain their independence off any form of pressure from government.

He said the government is only consulted on certain issues when the need arises without the need to kow-tow to whims of government officials.

He said there is no change in the December 15 deadline for naming a new coach for the team and that the committee is working assiduously to pick the best candidate for the Black Stars top job which has become one of the most attractive national sides.

Mr. Pappoe explained that stories earlier of the alleged inclusion of Milovan Rajevac in a shortlist is baseless and an untruth.

Story by Derick Romeo Adogla/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana