'Hello Charlie I have a player I want you to see', the phone call kicked off my weekend in typically strange fashion. Abrubt unexpectedness seems to be a reccuring theme of my time so far in Ghana. I eventually told the man the 23 year old would be too old for us to sign. I am working as the Technical Director of Cantonments FC on behalf of Projects Abroad who fund and run a football academy in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.
Amongst other things I am the head coach of the senior team who currently play in the Accra 3rd division. On the field a run of 3 wins in 3 since my arrival had taken us to the top of the table. Although our run was halted by a week mid season break which in typical Ghanaian style ran into 3 weekends, when the break finally ended it seemed to effect our performance as we lost 2-1 to our main title rivals. Last weekend was fairly typical, it was spent watching 3 junior matches and managing the senior game. In a sense I am living out the dream of every football fan, being paid to watch and coach football.
A highlight of my time so far was Ghana's victory in the Under 20's world cup. The celebrations were unbelievable, roads remained open but cars swerved out the way as groups of men ran into oncoming traffic. The passion for football in Ghana is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The easy thing to say is that football is a religion to most Ghanaian men, but God is the only thing that can compete with football and the two often go hand in hand. My team all fast together on a Saturday and then go to Church (or Mosque), on a Sunday before a match. They pray before and after every training session. Before each league game I tear my hair out while the players pray for half an hour in the changing room, before praying in both goals, the corner flags and the centre circle.
Amongst other things I am the head coach of the senior team who currently play in the Accra 3rd division. On the field a run of 3 wins in 3 since my arrival had taken us to the top of the table. Although our run was halted by a week mid season break which in typical Ghanaian style ran into 3 weekends, when the break finally ended it seemed to effect our performance as we lost 2-1 to our main title rivals. Last weekend was fairly typical, it was spent watching 3 junior matches and managing the senior game. In a sense I am living out the dream of every football fan, being paid to watch and coach football.
A highlight of my time so far was Ghana's victory in the Under 20's world cup. The celebrations were unbelievable, roads remained open but cars swerved out the way as groups of men ran into oncoming traffic. The passion for football in Ghana is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The easy thing to say is that football is a religion to most Ghanaian men, but God is the only thing that can compete with football and the two often go hand in hand. My team all fast together on a Saturday and then go to Church (or Mosque), on a Sunday before a match. They pray before and after every training session. Before each league game I tear my hair out while the players pray for half an hour in the changing room, before praying in both goals, the corner flags and the centre circle.
