PHOTO:Coach Asare teaches boxing in Turkey

In a clear case of a prophet not being accepted in his hometown, aspiring boxing coaches in Turkey are benefiting from the technical acumen of Ofori Asare, immediate past coach of Ghana’s amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers.

Coach Asare is currently in the European country on a mission sanctioned by the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) as a coach’s instructor, imparting his knowledge to potential cornermen whilst even current Ghana national team trainers lack such knowledge and qualifications.

Asare’s surprise dismissal as coach of the Black Bombers hasn’t shaken neither AIBA nor Turkey’s confidence in the abilities of the vastly experienced boxing trainer who worked with the Black Bombers for over two decades. “Turkey is my first stop on this AIBA project,” said Asare in an exclusive interview with Bukomboxingnews.com. “They trained us to instruct upcoming coaches and are ready to use us all over the world. Many countries have expressed interest in my services, I even turned down Malawi before coming to Turkey.”

Asare will remain in Turkey for a week before hitting the road to another country. Nevertheless, the long-time sage bemoans the current state of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation which he believes would benefit from his tactical acumen, yet have refused to tap into his massive experience.

“Naturally Ghana should be benefiting from me first because most of our upcoming coaches and even those in charge of the Black Bombers now need these courses to upgrade to the level where they can coach the team at international competitions like the Olympic Games,” he explained.

“They say a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. I feel sad, but what can I do? Time will tell if things will change but I’m always available to offer my services to my country.”