Ghanaian football legend Mohammed Polo has opined his concerns about the recent appointment of Otto Addo as the new coach of the Black Stars, likening the decision to the arrival of a “latter-day saint.”
Polo believes that Kwesi Appiah, the previous coach, was more deserving of the position.
Addo’s comeback to the team comes with a 34-month deal and the possibility of an additional 24 months. This move follows the dismissal of Chris Hughton after Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an interview with Citi Sports, Polo expressed his disappointment at the sidelining of former players from the 1970s and 1980s, questioning the selection of the 43-year-old Addo. He stated, “I think the man himself who has been brought in is a latter-day saint.”
While Polo acknowledged Addo’s potential, he emphasized the importance of exploring internal coaching options before looking externally for a coach. Polo also shared his admiration for Appiah’s past accomplishments, lamenting his exclusion from the coaching role. “I feel sad but it’s an opportunity. We saw what Kwesi Appiah did, but for some reason, they had to sideline him,” Polo said.
Polo, a significant figure in Ghanaian football history, secured the 1978 African Cup of Nations title and was named in the tournament’s team of the year.
Otto Addo’s coaching team includes Joseph Lauman, John Painstil, and Fatawu Dauda. Polo believes that Ghana should focus on developing coaching talent from within the system rather than consistently seeking external appointments.
