ACCRA, Ghana- Amakye Ansah
In 1996 when Mark Morrison released the “Return of the Marc”, it became a global sensation as many RNB and music fans in general were in love with the song. He confirmed in one of his numerous interviews that he used his time in jail to reflect on his life.
Otto Addo has been confirmed to return as the head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, will he be a hit like Mark Morisson’s ‘Return of the Marc’ or it will just be another Milovan Rajevac‘s story in his second coming?
After a year and over since resigning soon after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it is believed that Otto Addo has reflected on his experience in Qatar and on his short stint with the Ghana Black Stars.
Before his appointment.
Ghana had been coachless since Chris Houghton was sacked immediately after Ghana failed to beat Mozambique in the 3rd game of Group B of the 2023 AFCON. Many days and Weeks passed before the Ghana Football Association officially confirmed the return of the ex-Black Stars midfielder.
Otto Addo’s first stint.
The 48-year-old former Ghanaian midfielder took charge of Ghana during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, eliminating Ghana’s rivals Nigerian on away goal rule to secure a place for the tournament.
His team played the best football since Ghana’s 2-2 draw against Germany in the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil. Ghana narrowly lost 3-2 against star-studded Portugal, defeated South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay. The performance Ghana put up in the Qatar World Cup was scintillating and encouraging considering the young age of the squad even though the team finished bottom of the group.
Otto Addo resigned and Chris Houghton, former Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion manager, was appointed to manage the Black Stars and the rest is history.
Otto Addo’s long-term deal means Ghana is chasing consistency and longevity in.
Otto Addo has signed an unbelievable 3- year deal worth 50k USD per month with Ghana to be the head coach. He is the highest-paid Black Stars head coach since Avram Grant who also was on $50,000 per month in between 2014- 2017. This shows the trust and the believe the FA have in Otto Addo.
Since 2015, Otto Addo will be the 8th different appointment made by the GFA and the one who spent longer years was Avram Grant ( 2014-2017). Kwesi Appiah also enjoyed 3 years stay ( 2017-2020).
Since then, no coach has spent more than one year at the helm with CK Akunnor, Milovan Rajevic, Otto Addo and Chris Houghton all coaching Ghana between 2020 to 2024. The inconsistencies at he helm of the Black Stars is one of the huge factors that has led the team to fail always. Otto Addo’s 3 year contract with further 2-year renewal shows that the FA wants consistency and longetivity.
Why Ghanaians must give Otto Addo 100% support.
Aliou Cisse recently renewed his contract with the Senegalese national team until the sumer of 2026. He would be 11 years since taking over from Alain Giresse in 2015 as the coach for the Lions Teranga by the time the latest contract expires. He has qualified Senegal for two World Cups (2018 and 2022), he has played in the finals of the AFCON (2019, 2021) and won the 2021 edition on penalties against Egypt. Senegal has probably the best transitional plan in African football and its due to Aliou Cisses long stay.
Djamel Belmadi spent six years with Algeria and won the AFCON 2019 for them.
Didier Deschamps has been the manager of France since July 2012 and he has made them the most fearful national team on the planet. He has won the FIFA World Cup and finished as a runner up. He also finished as a runner up in the 2016 Euro. His longetivity has made France the favourites whenever there’s a major competition.
These instances shows that Ghanaians must give their support to Otto Addo because he and the players at his disposal have the potentials to break Ghana’s 42 year wait for the coveted AFCON trophy.
Expectations
Ghanaians have always expected the Black Stars to win the AFCON as it’s been ages since they saw the trophy in Ghana. Oto Addo is expected to win the AFCON and at least repeat Milo’s heroics at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Otto Addo commences his reign on 22d March against fierce rivals Nigeria and face Uganda four days later.
