As we contemplated our most most recent loss we were told by a supporter, "You are the coaches, you should be sacked." With the criticisms still on my mind after Wednesdays dissapointing defeat it was on to another crucial match where only a victory could keep our promotion hopes alive. Our team minibus was met by another of our 'supporters' as we arrived at LA Aviation Park warning us that, 'If we lose I will smash up the bus'. I was inclined to believe the man as he held a baseball bat in his hand! I took the only option available to me and assured him that today we would win.
The game started slowly with the scores level at 0-0 after 36 minutes, neither side had really had a clear chance. Out of nowhere a fight had kicked off along the touchline from where I was standing, this is not particularly rare and it seemed the game would go on. It then became clear that a number of the opposing supporters had begun to attack the Linesman, punches were being thrown towards him. After a short time the linesman emerged from the melee with cuts to his face.
The trouble continued on the sidelines as stones were being thrown by the home fans. This is not professional football with thousands of supporters; the average game will probably see a crowd of about 100 people with around 10 travelling to watch the game for the away team. As the situation calmed the officials left the park and the game was brought to a premature end. The week has once again begun with an appeal to the Ghanaian FA to award Cantonments the 3 points.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Where's the ball gone?
'The ball is in your bag, white man you have cheated us!' With 15 minutes remaining of a league game yesterday the game was interrupted by an opposing player running onto the field to steal the matchball. The game was on a knife edge, we were dominating but the score remained 1-1 in a game we needed to win. In the aftermath I attempted to run after the man who had stolen the ball, footballs are an expensive commodity in Ghana.
The chaos that followed was typical, only in Ghana could a man wielding a machete at a football match not cause widespread panic. Despite the utterly chaotic scenes, the situation never seemed dangerous, the volunteers who travelled to watch the game all had a great time. I was slightly more stressed by the situation, encouraging our players to stay focused on the game that could re-commence at anytime.
The referee made the decision that the game could not continue until the ball was returned. The opposing players were convinced that we had got the ball back and hidden it so the game would be postponed. After 50 minutes of heated debate between players, officials and supporters the referee blew the final whistle and it seems the 3 points will be awarded to Cantonments. The day ended with jubilant celebrations from our players.
This brought a bizarre end to what had been an unbelievable weekend, which also saw the Under 17 side win a regional tournament. Added to this was the success of one young player, who has been scouted to join a Ghanian side travelling to the Dana Cup in Denmark.
The chaos that followed was typical, only in Ghana could a man wielding a machete at a football match not cause widespread panic. Despite the utterly chaotic scenes, the situation never seemed dangerous, the volunteers who travelled to watch the game all had a great time. I was slightly more stressed by the situation, encouraging our players to stay focused on the game that could re-commence at anytime.
The referee made the decision that the game could not continue until the ball was returned. The opposing players were convinced that we had got the ball back and hidden it so the game would be postponed. After 50 minutes of heated debate between players, officials and supporters the referee blew the final whistle and it seems the 3 points will be awarded to Cantonments. The day ended with jubilant celebrations from our players.
This brought a bizarre end to what had been an unbelievable weekend, which also saw the Under 17 side win a regional tournament. Added to this was the success of one young player, who has been scouted to join a Ghanian side travelling to the Dana Cup in Denmark.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Cantonments
'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.
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