Tactical indiscipline is bane of African Sportsmen – Coach Cofie

Coach Moses Cofie, a Ghanaian football coach based in Benin has tasked African footballers to be very disciplined on and off the field and also display maturity everywhere, especially when speaking to the media.

Talking to yours truly about the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in South Africa and the attitude of some Ghanaian players, the former football star noted that it is sad that Ghana failed to win the cup after 31 years of waiting to grab her fifth title. He said most of the players were not matured to don the Black Stars jersey and some hid their injuries just to make up the number and collect the winning bonus and appearance fees.

According to Moses Cofie, football is an open game and just like any showbiz event, the players have to perform so those who are not fully fit would be exposed. He advised footballers to train right, avoid injuries and also obey the instructions of their technical handlers.

The former utility player featured for Zebi FC, Accra Hearts of Oak, Accra Great Olympics, AS Sogara of Gabon and El Shabab of Saudi Arabia. He ended his playing career with Zaytuna (Stay Cool). Earlier on as a teenager, he had played for Adabraka Hearts Babies Colts team, Hunsbury United in the third division, Goldfields second division and Boafoakwa Tano.

“These clubs that I played gave me much experience and I worked under top coaches who advised me a lot, so I have a very big knowledge about football and I can impart a lot,” he said.

The CAF licence A holder has coached in Ghana, Sudan and now with AS Tonnerre FC, a premier division side in Benin. He believes any great footballer who has played consistently for five years at the top level is capable of coaching a team so attaining the certificate is a plus. He advised his colleagues to go into coaching or football administration as football business must be done by footballers.

Coach Cofie expressed that much has not changed in African football and there is the need for improvement especially with administration and tactics on the field.

“We have the talents and all the skilful players, but we lack the facilities and equipment that makes football enjoyable and simple,” he explained.

After handling AS Tonnerre FC for three seasons and taking them to the Africa Champions’ League only to be eliminated by Stade Malien, he feels he can do more and better.

“My ambition is to coach any of the national teams in Ghana or even Benin. I know I can do it when given the opportunity. I know my time will come,” he said.

Quizzed on what really make African players tactically undisciplined, he said some players are swollen-headed when they score two or three goals and are captured in the media.

He advised players to work harder and aim for more and better glories, like winning the Clubs Championship, Nations’ Cup and the World Cup. He asked players not to be satisfied with one achievement but aspire to win more laurels.

He also hoped more corporate bodies will come to the aid of football and support clubs and players.

“Players need to be motivated and not over pampered as that may spoil them or make them swollen-headed, because most African players love to enjoy themselves, but as sportsmen, it is not good to drink much alcohol or chase ladies,” he expressed.

Moses Cofie hinted that he loves to watch the English Premiership and the two coaches he admires most are Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger of Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

He revealed that the system he loves to play is possessive football, which is played by Spanish giants, FC Barcelona.