Fred Crentsil talks why Grant got Stars job

Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Fred Crentsil has stated that Avram Grant was handed the Black Stars coaching job because he met the FA’s requirements.

To the former Accra Hearts of Oak Chief Executive, the Israeli trainer stood tall among his competitors due to his ability to withstand the difficult African condition – one of the FA’s benchmarks.

He pointed out that the FA was looking for a coach who could buy into its philosophy and vision, and the former Chelsea manager fit into the national football governing body’s plans perfectly.

“We were looking for somebody who could withstand the harsh African condition, as well as buy into the FA's philosophy, and Grant proved beyond doubt that he was capable,” said Crentsil.

The FA Veep however failed to make public the monthly salary of the former West Ham trainer, who has been tasked to extend his duty to the provision of technical advice to the other national teams.

Though lifting the 2015 African Cup of Nations’ ultimate prize is captured as one of the benchmarks in his contract, his employers have advised that he takes the team to Equatorial Guinea to ensure the Black Stars do well. Coach Grant admitted the stiff opposition Ghana will be facing in

Group C, comprising Algeria, South Africa and Senegal; but gave the assurance that he will carry the team on his shoulders to sail through.

The FA and their employee also cleared the air about his potential travel challenges by virtue of the fact that he is an Israeli.

“I am a football person. I don’t have any passport issues. I can go everywhere because football is an international language.”

Five coaches comprising Michel Pont, Patrick Kluivert, Marco Tardelli, Avram Grant and Juan Ignicio Jimenenz were shortlisted for the Ghana coaching job when coach Kwasi Appiah was axed some weeks ago.

The 59-year-old’s recent job was at Partizan Belgrade where he guided the team to the Serbian title before resigning with 12 months remaining on his contract.