Abedi Pele Eyes Top Sports job

Ghana’s Abedi Ayew Pele has given indication that he intends to handle football at the top level in the country. Abedi gave the indication in an interview with the BBC last week after he participated in a match between African and European stars.

Africa lost the match 0-4 and Abedi was the only player selected from Ghana. Despite the lack of appreciation by some Ghanaians of Abedi’s contribution to Ghana soccer, he continues to draw thousands of supporters from across the world.

That probably explains why FIFA continues to invite him for special tournaments. Asked to comment on his future plans, Abedi said he is satisfied with the role he plays as a FIFA ambassador. He said he currently supervises a lot of business interests, while managing a first division team he formed. On the fate of the Black Stars, he expressed shock that the senior national team lost by 3-1 margin to Liberia. "I did not believe Liberia could beat us by that wide margin in Accra," he told the interviewer.

Then the interviewer chipped in, George Weah is coaching Liberia, and do you have any intention to coach the Black Stars? Abedi replied. "I want to handle football at the top level." He did not clarify in what capacity he intends to handle the game, but the indications are that he probably likes to be either the Minister for Youth and Sports or the Chairman of the Ghana Football Association.

Pele’s namesake, the original Pele of Brazil was minister for sports before he quit to pursue his business interests. He is currently being reconsidered for the same post. Ghana’s Pele has some experiences that could be invaluable to sports administration.

He speaks four foreign languages-Arabic, French, Italian, German and of course English.On the issue of local coaches Pele said Ghana has experimented both local and foreign coaches, with mixed results. He however said the current local coach should be encouraged.