Ghana legend Mohammed Polo on why he presented a five-year football development plan to President Akufo-Addo
1978 AFCON winner Mohammed Polo has explained why he presented a five-year football development plan to President Nana Akufo Addo.
On Tuesday, the legendary Polo called on the President at the Jubilee House and officially presented his book, ‘ Polo the Magnificent’ and a copy of his five-year development plan for youth football.
Polo’s book was published and launched last year, detailing the life of the footballer and also providing a five-year youth development plan for Ghana football.
Explaining why he presented the five-year plan to the President, Polo said, “Our time we had a brand and that is Ghana brand of football ‘It was called agoro, unfortunately, it looks as if things are shifting because of the rise of the outside contracts. We want everything to come in time so we don’t give these talented ones the time to ripe and it looks as if it is not helping us”
“I sat down and said no because it is the right time for me to see the President I have to introduce this brand of football ‘agoro’ with a five-year development plan. I saw it is time to present the plan to the President and I know he loves football and will love to see quality football. He saw us and I think we have to give the younger ones the experience and what we have. The talents are there and I believe something must be done and that is what I intend doing”
The President also commended Polo for his contribution to Ghana football and assured him that, his proposed five-year development plan will be given attention by the government and the agencies directly responsible for youth and football-related matters in the country.
“Your visit today is on point, there is always a right time to meet and this is the right time. I’m grateful for the copy of the biography and a copy of the five-year development, you have some requests in it and we will look at the request and do the best we can to assist.
“I am always encouraged by citizens of this country who continue to show an interest in the development of our country in the areas of speciality even long after they are active in the area.
“It’s a real love of country that you demonstrate in doing that and I find it very commendable and highly appreciated. It is an example you are setting for the future generation of people that long after you have stopped playing, you can continue to have an interest and an impact on the development of the sports” President Akufo-Addo said.
“I am very confident that the great days of Ghanaian football will be back. What you [Mohammed Polo] are offering us here is an opportunity to work together to make that happen”
Polo was a household name in Ghana football in the 1970s and 1980s while playing for Accra Hearts of Oak. He was also an integral member of the Black Stars team that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1978.
The 65-year-old’s impressive performances earned him a nomination for the African Footballer of the Year award in 1977.
Polo is regarded as one of the greatest players ever to emerge from Ghana and was dubbed the ‘Dribbling Magician’ during his playing days.
He won over 50 International caps and scored 20 goals for Ghana in a career that spanned two decades.
Mohammed ‘Polo’ previously worked as a Coach for Malian side Stade Malien, Accra Great Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak.