Four members of Kotoko’s technical team who went on a seven-day CAF/FIFA training course in Kumasi have shared their experience with Kotoko Express describing events at the programme as beneficial and enlightening.

The quartet namely Team Manager, Godwin Ablordey; Physical Trainer, Awudu Nuhu; Goalkeeping Trainer, Joe Baah and Deputy Reserve Team Coach, Ibrahim Gariba told Kotoko Express in an interview that the one week course, although an introductory one exposed them to new developments in the game.

“The lessons were instructive and eye-opening. They will be helpful in the discharge of my duties in the new season and also generally in my career” said Awudu Nuhu. “Football is dynamic and life itself is dynamic. Things change with time. We have to learn every day. We have to learn new things in order to move with time” added the Physical Trainer.

Godwin Ablordey was equally happy with proceedings at the training course. He said being an ex-footballer who is now performing a technical and managerial duty, it was necessary to be properly acquainted with developments at that level. “We went through the fundamentals; grassroots football and new trends in the game. It was a good programme. I learnt so much.

I am glad that I was part of the event” said the former Kotoko captain.

Although it was not his first time at such a training programme, Joe Baah who was the goalkeeping trainer when the Black Meteors won gold at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, last year said that the experience was different this time around.

“In 2004, I went for one of CAF’s high level courses but this one was different. It was good. It has enriched my knowledge and experience. I believe the lessons I learnt will be helpful. In the past, goalkeepers did a lot of running as part of their training but modern trends are eliminating that aspect. Much of the focus is on ball work” said the former Olympics goalie.

Coach Ibrahim Gariba, who was the last among the four, to speak to Kotoko Express also stated his delight and further thanked the instructors. “I have done the inter-mediate. This was the introductory but it was revealing. I cannot share everything but I have to say that the lessons learnt will be beneficial. The instructors at the week-long programme were newly appointed Kotoko coach, Didi Mas-ud Dramani, Coach Oti Akenteng and Coach E. K. Adusei. 

By: Jerome Otchere