The Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Francis Oti Akenteng is delighted Avram Grant was present to witness at firsthand, quality football in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League at the Tema Stadium.
The coach of the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars made an appearance at the Ghana Premier League game between Inter Allies and Dreams FC, which ended 2-2 on Sunday.
The former Chelsea handler arrived in the country on Saturday night following the uproar and irritation expressed by Ghanaians and the GFA calling his return to the country after overstaying his leave.
“I can tell you he (Avram Grant) witnessed a very good game of two tactically disciplined sides. I was very happy Avram was present at the game because he can’t say we don’t have quality in the league. The game was standard and matches up to European standards. The game lived up to expectation,” the veteran coach said.
Oti Akenteng, who also serves on the Technical Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), indicated that Grant’s presence at local matches will improve the tendency of including outstanding local players into the Black Stars and spur the local players to improve their game.
“In this regard, even if he fails to include a local player in Black Stars call-ups now, he will consider good performers he spotted later in the squad or ask his assistant to keep close monitoring of such players. His presence even motivated the boys to increase their output.
“I also understand it was included in the contract signed with the GFA that he ought to be present at our league games. This is football, it’s not only the Black Stars that is football so once he is not on leave, there is always a duty for him to perform,” said Oti Akenteng.
Grant is set to announce Black his Stars squad for the 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier against Mozambique later in March.
