Race For FA Hot Seat

A NUMBER of soccer administrators have expressed keen interest in the vacant Ghana Football Association (GFA) position, ever since the immediate past boss, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe resigned, a couple of months back,writes Isaac Franklin.

The scuttlebutt had it that, top guns as Messrs Fred Pappoe, George Amoako, Kojo Bonsu, as well as Yusif Adams Ibrahim, showed interest in contesting the hot seat, currently bei ng occupied by an acting FA chairman, Lawyer Kwesi Nyantakyi.

However, innumerable soccer pundits are clamouring for continuity in the nation's soccer administration, having observed the nature of the FA management, since the exit of fire-brand Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, who has lifted his name into the stratosphere.

There have been a few calls for the exit of the incumbent acting FA boss, but a host of others are of the view that, he has lived up to expectations in his few months' reign as acting FA chairman.

Ironically, a US-based Sportslifestyle gem, Chief Bakare Adebayo, yesterday, reiterated the need to allow Lawyer Nyantakyi, who holds the FA vice-chairmanship post, to emerge the substantive FA boss.

Speaking at a press soiree, Chief Adebayo pointed out: “Ghana soccer has suffered for far too long, from corporate neglect due to incompetent administration, but judging from the amazing achievements by the current management board led by Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, it is obvious that, we should not look beyond Mr. Nyantakyi, for the next FA Chairman”.

He further urged the acting FA boss compet e for the post, even though he had not declared his intensions to contest for the post.

The news conference was aimed at celebrating Ghana's maiden qualification for the Germany 2006 World Cup Tourney.

Chief Adebayo vehemently dismissed the notion that Mr. Nyantakyi was too young to occupy the hot FA seat, stressing that; age barrier has nothing to do with age-barrier.

“That is a hollow argument, which should not merit the attention of soccer lovers. What has young age got to do with competence? Hasn't Nyantakyi already, contributed immensely towards Ghana's historic qualification to the World Cup?, Chief Adebayo buttressed his argument.

By virtue of being a lawyer, Chief Adebayo asserted that, Mr. Nyantakyi was qualified to be a judge.

“Would the personalities calling for Methuselahs to manage affairs in Ghana soccer, respond to Mr. Nyantakyi's summons to appear before his court, if he emerged a judge?, he queried.

The kits dealer was also, saddened by the negative campaign and personal attacks being waged, all in an attempt to discredit Nyantakyi and his team. He stated that it was bizarre and shameful that, an experienced administrator like Alhaji Gruzah, would describe Mr. Nyantakyi and his team as failures and visionless, despite all the glaring evidence of successful achievements and positive steps.

He further advised all aspirants that, in spite of the fact that, the path to the FA position was open, they should be very principled and honest in their campaign, and as well, avoid dirty tactics and unduly discrediting others to score points.

Lawyer Nyantakyi's retention as FA President for me is very vital to continuing the good things initiated by the present board, and I will urge delegates to consider his track record and retain him should he contest.

Among other issues, Chief Adebayor observed that, Ghana's World Cup campaign was not easy, but the Stars' feat came through hard-work, commitment, dedication and effective planning.

The Nyantakyi-led FA made an otherwise tortuous and difficult path to the World Cup seem very easy courtesy the Gold Fields Ghana and Guinness sponsorships they secured.

He underscored that the transparent and effective management of Mr. Nyantakyi's team, Ghana got enviable packages from Gold Fields Ghana, and Guinness, as well, to aid the nation's World Cup dream.

He congratulated the Stars, Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as the FA Management Board, led by the acting FA boss, for ensuring that Ghana qualified to the World Cup.

He hoped that, the Stars would leave a lasting impression in Germany, come June 2006.

“Qualification to the World Cup remains a landmark achievement by the FA that we cannot ignore. Aside the halting of the embarrassing national jinx, the Stars' qualification has brought relief to most of us abroad, who have had to go through taunts from other nationals”, he emphasised.

“Ghana's international image is now worthy of glorification”, Chief stressed. Chief Adebayo noted that, the current FA members brought their competence to bear, after the qualification, and now the Black Stars, shunned previously by even unknown kit manufacturers have a strong tie with Puma, the renowned German kit manufacturer.

As a kit supplier in the United States (US), Chief Adebayor hinted he was proud to hear that, both Nike and Adidas, who in the past frequently rejected the Black Stars, had lined up, heckling each other in the race to kit the Stars.