Minister assures Grant of full support

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mahama Ayariga, has assured newly appointed Black Stars coach Avram Grant that the government will not interfere with his duties as coach of the national team.

He gave the assurance when the Israeli coach, accompanied by his agent, Rubie Shaif, and members of the Ghana Football Association's GFA Executive Committee, including Fred Crentsil and George Afriyie, visited the minister at his office yesterday in Accra ahead of Grant’s official unveiling today.

“Rest assured, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will lend you every support and refrain from any sort of political interference in your work as coach of the Black Stars and also in the operations of the GFA,” Mr Ayariga said.

The minister also reminded Grant  of the burden of expectation that came with coaching the Stars, explaining that Ghanaians expected the team to win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

“You have a short period to work with the team ahead of the AFCON 2015, however expectations are high because Ghanaians would want to win that trophy again.

“I believe every coach wants to win, but for me the best thing is that we should play very good football, excite the public and those who will be watching. And we should look forward in the long term really prepare the team for major tournaments,” the minister added.

Mr Ayariga also appealed to all Ghanaians to lend the coach their fullest support so he could deliver  their expectations.

Grant, 54, also thanked Ghanaians for the hospitality he had received so far during his short spell in the country, stating that he was ready for the challenges  ahead.

“The fact that I am here in your office is testament to the support that you want to offer me. National teams are supported by every citizen so I am looking forward to the challenges.

“I am happy to work with the Stars but also to support the development of the other national teams because I believe in the potential of Ghana and will work to meet the expectations,” said the former Chelsea and Israel national team coach.