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Soccer News of Friday, 13 September 2002

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GFA to gag Stars coach

Black Stars coach, Millan Zivadinovic might still be contemplating why Ghana lost to the Cranes of Uganda 0-1 in Namboole last Saturday but his outburst against his employers for failing to help in the team’s build up to the game is set to begin another “war” with his employers.

If it doesn’t go down well with the two groups, Ghana may be forced to look elsewhere for another coach since Ghanaians are not ready for another failure at our attempt to rule African football and make an appearance at the World Cup.

The 58 year-old Yugoslav’s claim that the team lost to the Cranes of Uganda as a result of the inability of the Ghana Football Association to organize some international friendlies in preparation for the clash, seems to have set some teeth on edge at the FA.

He was reported as saying that the FA was slow in working out friendly matches, but when he organised some, they failed to help him honour those friendlies. A two-game tour of Turkey was called-off due to travel problems while a friendly against Yugoslavian side Obilic was also cancelled.

But the FA content that after the trips were called off, Millan was afforded the opportunity to play trial games with local clubs, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and Great Olympics which he turned down.

Now, most members have expressed their disappointment at the Yugoslav’s comments claiming that he acted irresponsibly by refusing to allow his two assistants, Isaac Paha and Malik Jabir access to the dressing room during recess and also claims that the players lacked quality.

The management board of the FA is scheduled to meet soon to deliberate on the Yugoslav’s comments. A close source hinted the Network Herald that, Millan would be called to order after FA Chairman; Ben Koufie presents a report on the trip to the management team. Also, Mr. Zivadinovic would be asked to clear all issues with the FA before going public.

The source hinted that FA would be forced to withdraw the two assistants if Millan does not need their services. The Chairman of the FA is expected to be questioned about going to the defence of Millan and placing the blame squarely on the Sports Ministry for not releasing funds for the foreign trips during an interview with the press. Zivadinovic’s action is said to have shocked the entire management team more especially, shutting of the door to his technical team and also the reserves during recess of the game against the Cranes.