By: Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe
Ever since the appointment of Milovan Rajevac as Head Coach of the Black Stars of Ghana, there have been several commentaries shared, with diverse perspectives: Some have opined that Coach ‘Milo’ would successfully boost the prospects of the team to perform; there are others who have been skeptical of his second coming.
Irrespective of the side of this divide on which one stands, one thing is certain…..GHANA EXPECTS COACH MILOVAN RAJEVAC TO DELIVER!
As the nation looks forward to seeing how the Black Stars start life in what I have christened ‘Milovan Part 2’, I believe that if Coach Milo can exhibit a number of qualities and features I shall highlight in this piece, Ghana stands a very good chance of returning to our glory days.
Lo and behold, the Black Stars dispatched Zimbabwe 3-1 in his first game on Saturday in Cape Coast thanks to goals from Kudus Mohammed, Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew.
I have drawn on the letters of Coach Rajevac’s first name, MILOVAN, to highlight these qualities and features.
M- Mastery in Management
Given the extremely high expectations of Ghanaians, coupled with the structure of the team and players Coach Milo is working with, he would have to display mastery of the art and science of Management. With so much riding on this qualifying campaign, so many divergent perspectives would be shared with Coach Milo.
These perspectives would come from his players, the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the media and the general Ghanaian populace. Milo’s ability to manage all of these will be surely tested and if he succeeds in this area, it would create a conducive environment for progress.
I – Inspiration
It goes without saying that the listless showing by the Black Stars in their recent outings led to a lack of belief in the team. Milo’s reengagement is expected to ignite a new spirit in the team and he must bring an inspiring spark to the mix and get both the team and Ghanaians, in general, invigorated for success.
L – Leadership
As Head Coach, Rajevac’s leadership qualities and abilities are going to be severely tested. A nation hungry for silverware after several near misses over a period of almost four decades is not an easy one to lead to desperately desired success. Coach Milo would have to show astute leadership to navigate waters that could get turbulent from time to time.
O – Openness
With a population bursting with millions of ‘Coaches’ and an unparalleled level of anxiety about the fortunes of the Black Stars, every move by Coach Milo is going to be subjected to intense scrutiny. He’s going to be questioned on his call ups, tactics, his demeanor….. virtually everything!! What pressure!!
An open heart policy could go a long way to diffusing any potentially negative energies that might arise as Milo goes about his work.
Whilst the buck must stop with Coach Milo, his ability to be open to suggestions and to respect the opinions of others whilst pursuing his strategy for success would stand him in good stead to get the needed cooperation from the leadership of the Ghana Football Association and all stakeholders of Ghana Football.
V – Vision
Vision, I read somewhere, is the ‘blueprint of success’.
The GFA has the vision of taking Ghana Football to the summit of African Football whilst rising to the higher echelons of World Football. Coach Milo must quickly tap into this Vision and use this Vision to energize his team.
A – Action-oriented
Coach Milo has to be action-oriented and decisive in his approach. Difficult decisions might have to be taken, some with the potential to bruise huge egos. But no ego can outweigh the desire of Ghanaians to see trophies won by the Black Stars as well as getting Ghana back to its exalted place in World Football.
Bold actions, when necessary, must be taken by Coach Milo, if we are to see a quick return to our glory days!
N – Nirvana
A general English description of Nirvana is an “ideal or peaceful state or place”.
I rely on this description in the context of this piece.
Ghanaians yearn to see the Black Stars of Ghana return to the place of glory that we once occupied.
That place that saw us winning the African Cup of Nations for a fourth time as far back as 1982!!
That place that saw us, under this same Milovan Rajevac, come inches away from becoming the first African country to reach the semifinals of the FIFA Men’s World Cup!!
Indeed, Ghanaians are looking forward to seeing Milovan Rajevac setting us on the path back to GLORY!!
GHANA EXPECTS!!
MILOVAN AND THE TROOPS, OVER TO YOU!!