By George Swatson
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has recognized the urgent need to reignite the nation’s passion for football, both at the national team and local league levels.
Over the years, Ghanaian football has seen a significant decline in viewership and fan engagement, and this erosion of support has prompted a concerted effort to revive the game’s popularity. The GFA’s strategy to “Bring Back the Love” includes social media campaigns, demanding accountability from clubs regarding governance and management, launching the Ghana Football DNA, developing referees through the “Catch Them Young” initiative, empowering the technical directorate with coaching courses, and committing to the improvement of football infrastructure and facilities.
Crucial role
At the grassroots and juvenile levels, coaches play a crucial role in rekindling this national love for the sport. By focusing on holistic player development and reinforcing the fundamental principles of football, coaches can help foster a new generation of talented, tactically astute players. Shifting away from a “win-at-all-costs” mentality and the obsession with trophy hunting for personal gain, the emphasis should be placed on developing players with the skills and tactical knowledge needed to thrive in the modern game. These coaches will provide the Premier League coaches with the necessary talent to deliver exciting, high-level football that will attract fans back to the national stadiums.
While the call for better pitches, improved match venues, increased sponsorship, and more organized club structures is essential, coaches—who are primary stakeholders in the sport—have a pivotal role in drawing supporters to the match venues and increasing viewership. Today’s football fans are not just interested in the result, but in the tactical intricacies and battles that unfold during matches. It is not far-fetched to envision bringing the exciting tactical philosophies that define European leagues to Ghana, captivating football fans in the process.
“Bring Back the Love”
The phrase “Bring Back the Love” suggests that there was once a deep connection to the sport that has since faded. This love was driven by fans who eagerly filled stadiums to witness the individual brilliance and technical prowess of iconic players such as Mohammed ‘Polo’ Ahmed, Abedi Pele, Charles Taylor, Bernard Don Bortey, Laryea Kingston, Stephen Appiah, among others. These players lit up the local scene with their magic, often under the guidance of legendary coaches like Sam Arday, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, Fred Osam-Duodu, and Sellas Tetteh.
These coaches drew fans to the stadiums with their unique coaching methods and philosophies, both in the local league and the national teams. Today, a call to duty is extended to all coaches, from grassroots to the top tiers of football in Ghana. It is our collective responsibility to play a part in bringing back the love for the sport by enhancing holistic player development and tactical sophistication.
By doing so, we can help spark a resurgence of excitement and engagement among Ghanaian football fans, while also rediscovering the sense of national pride that football once brought to our nation. Through a modern approach to coaching and player development, we can rekindle the love for Ghanaian football and restore the shared glory that once united us.
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