The steamy race for the job of handling the Black Stars reached a heart-throbbing finish last Wednesday when the eight applicants, according to inside sources, were shortlisted to three. The three who were separated from the rest after the narrowing down of the race were Englishman Ian Porterfield, Yugoslav Zivadinovic Millan and Polish Antoni Tiechniczek.

They were expected to be contacted by the FA for negotiations on their terms, after which one of them will be picked for the job. The three were selected after a meeting between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association. Their selection will no doubt stir further cogitation this week, as notable absentees from the list include Burkhard Ziese and Giuseppe Dossena.

Previously, whispers amongst the football fraternity had indicated that the battle for Ghana’s top managerial post was to be a two-horse race between the pair. After all, both had previous experience as former managers of the Black Stars in 1992 and 1998 respectively. However, ironically it is this very fact that ensured they were not shortlisted as sources said the GFA had indicated in no uncertain terms that they wished to start afresh, leaving the recent failings of the national side in the past where they belong. The FA believed that the only way to do this is by employing fresh blood and staying clear of any controversies.

While allowing the GFA to have its way in the matter, the ministry, however, stressed that what is crucial is that the nation finds the best coach at an affordable bargain, regardless of whether or not the coach has managed the side before. As such while both Ziese and Dossena have been left out in the cold, there are signs to suggest that there may be a window of opportunity for them to be reconsidered should the three shortlisted fail to meet the terms of the FA.

Three others ruled out of contention are Argentine Carlos Percini, American Alan Jeffers and Croat Marljan Vlak. Sources said the Ministry of Youth and Sports had stated categorically that the nation cannot afford to pay a sum beyond a certain specified limit and therefore “only the best and affordable coach will be hired”.

By Thursday evening, the former coach of the Polish national side, Tiechniczek, and veteran Millan had already been contacted. Tiechniczek’s other credentials include two spells as head coach of Tunisian club side Esperance, while highlights of Millan’s illustrious career include taking charge of the Yugoslav and Saudi national teams. The FA was unable to make a quick contact with Ian Porterfield although it is still pursuing him.

The elusive Englishman has had a stint with Warriors of Zimbabwe. His other credentials include coaching both the Zambian and Oman national sides, whilst back in the UK he has had stints at two prestigious clubs in the shape of Dundee United and Chelsea. If any one of the three currently on the FA’s ‘wanted list’ can agree terms with the FA then an appointment could well be made soon to end the current headless situation of the Black Stars.