Improving the qualities of the individual players in the Black Stars squad is the top priority of Black Stars head coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor.
Speaking on Citi TV‘s pidgin sports show Football Made in Ghana, Akonnor said his main focus as head coach was to improve each player he calls into his squad as that will enable the Black Stars to improve collectively as well.
“I’m looking forward to improving individual players and improve the team as a result.” he said.
“[Once] the team improves, it affects their play. That is my goal. So every time I am thinking about who can fit into certain positions and how we can play. Overall I just want to improve the team.”
He believes that it is imperative that players keep their focus as that is the only way they’ll be able to attain and maintain success.
“Football requires concentration. We could be joking an hour prior to the game but after that, you need to concentrate on the game.”
Akonnor was named the new coach of the men’s senior national team in January replacing Kwesi Appiah whose contract had expired.
He named his first squad ahead of AFCON 2021 qualifying matches against Sudan in March but those fixtures were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
However, the coach is still keeping in touch with his players while trying to keep himself engaged as well.
“I’ve been trying to stay in touch with the [Black Stars] players while they are at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We usually chat via video calls. I also read lots of books to keep myself ready,” he said.