Stevanovic still Ghana coach, says GFA

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have denied reports they have sacked coach Goran Stevanovic.

Several outlets in the west African country have reported that the GFA have given Stevanovic his marching orders following a disappointing performance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, in a swift reply, the GFA issued a statement to announce that the Serbian is still on the job, pending a decision that will arrive in two weeks after they have studied the coach’s technical report on the tournament.

“Following reports on Thursday surrounding Goran Stevanovic’s future as Ghana coach, the GFA would like to make our position clear,” a statement on the GFA website read.

“At a meeting of the Executive Committee on Wednesday, it was agreed the decision on the future of the coach be deferred as the membership of the Ex.Co continue to study the report of the coach and from the management team on the Black Stars’ participation at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.”

“The Executive Committee are committed to the process and a statement will be announced in two weeks time when we complete the study of the reports.”

In his technical report, Stevanovic revealed that some Black Stars players used ‘black power’ during the tournament and that affected the team greatly.

The Serbian admitted that his first major continental tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea has revealed a lot about African football to him and that the use of black magic by some of his players was one of them.

A copy of the leaked report states: “After losing to Zambia, there arose so many accusations amongst the players during my meeting with them. I have learnt great lessons from African football and also about Ghanaian players’ behaviour on and off the field.”

“We all need to help in changing some players mentality about using black power to destroy themselves and also make sure we install discipline and respect for each other.”

Ghana came fourth at the 28th edition of the continental showpiece and a section of the local media cites internal wrangling and player indiscipline as some of the major issues for the four-time Africa champions’ disappointing performance.