The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has released a statement to clarify the role of its Technical Director, Bernhard Lippert, following the appointment of Chris Hughton as Technical Advisor for the Black Stars. The move was made to address confusion surrounding the positions. Hughton was appointed ahead of the Black Stars' World Cup Qualifier against Nigeria in March. The GFA also named Borussia Dortmund assistant coach, Otto Addo, as head coach for the two-legged tie.
The appointment of Hughton as Technical Advisor raised questions due to the existing position of Lippert as Technical Director. Former Black Stars International, Augustine Arhinful, called on the GFA to clarify the roles of the newly constituted Black Stars technical committee. Many Ghanaians on social media also questioned whether Hughton's appointment might be redundant. The GFA's statement aims to provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the Technical Director.
According to the GFA, the Technical Director heads the Technical Directorate of the Football Association and performs several key functions. These include formulating guidelines, strategies, and policies for the training and technical development of coaches in Ghana. The Technical Director also provides advice to the Executive Council on coaching and technical development matters.
The Technical Director may be called upon to supervise national football team coaches if necessary. The position is also responsible for the strategy, development, and technical direction of the Technical Directorate. This includes preparing and implementing technical programs at the grassroots, juvenile, and National Teams levels.
The Technical Director plays a crucial role in building the capacity of the Technical Directorate. This involves overseeing various departments, including Coach Education, Referee Education, Talent Identification, Performance Analysis, and Sports Medicine. The GFA's statement highlights the importance of the Technical Director in shaping the future of Ghanaian football.
The clarification of Lippert's role comes as the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup Qualifier against Nigeria. The team will be led by head coach Otto Addo, assisted by George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. The GFA's statement aims to provide clarity on the technical setup and alleviate concerns about potential redundancies.
The GFA's move to clarify the role of the Technical Director is seen as a step towards transparency and effective communication. By outlining the specific responsibilities of the position, the GFA hopes to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth functioning of the technical team. The association's efforts aim to promote a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the Black Stars' technical setup.
Key points
- The GFA clarifies Bernhard Lippert's role as Technical Director to avoid confusion with Chris Hughton's appointment as Technical Advisor.
