Mixed Reactions Greet Coach Otto Addo Comeback

The announcement of Otto Addo as the next head coach of the senior national team, Black Stars, has been greeted with mixed reactions.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a statement on Friday, March 15, 2024, announced the comeback of the current talent coach of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund to the Black Stars on a three-year contract.

Though a deal for his release clause has been struck with the club, his appointment will be permanent in May 2024 after a handing-over ceremony in Germany.

He will take the Black Stars on their March international friendlies against the Super Eagles on March 22 and the Cranes on March 26.

The President of the GFA, Kurt Okraku said Otto was the choice of the scouting committee due to his distinguished posture during the interview process.

But some Ghanaians doubt due diligence was given to his selection as they speculate it was premeditated.

“Many saw this coming,” one said.

“15 years working experience ampa,” another commented as another queried, “But there was a criteria set which Otto does not meet so why appoint him?”

“This man never applied for the job but you invited him to submit an application meaning you had a preconceived idea of giving him the job already.”

“Must we be surprised to hear this or know the agenda behind this appointment? This is Ghana Football Association nothing has changed and nothing will change until Jesus comes in for rescue there’s still going to be the same old story, I hope it works though God bless our homeland Ghana.”

“Back to default settings… We are not serious as a country… Then why appoint a committee in the first place to search for a coach… Hmmm oh, Ama Ghana.”

Others, however, expressed satisfaction with the choice and wished Otto well.

“The best decision we ever took,” one thought with another adding, “All the best to Otto Addo”

“You’re welcome. Just do a better job, another conveyed.

Appointment In 2022

Otto Addo was appointed a deputy coach by Ghana during the appointment of head Coach Milovan Rajevac in September 2021. In February 2022 when the country parted ways with Milo as he was affectionally called, Otto was made the interim head coach.

His temporary administration over the Black Stars saw their qualification for the 2022 World Cup. He therefore earned a permanent but short appointment in May 2022 (until the end of December 2022) due to his job at Dortmund.

Ghana exited the World Cup at the group stage after losing two and winning one of their three games. He resigned immediately.

At Dortmund, Otto is a talent coach.