Soccer News of Thursday, 7 April 2005

Source: GNA

Lion's assistant coach steps in for Hayford

Accra, April 7, GNA - Coach Johnny Cobblah, formerly an assistant coach of Kpando Heart of Lions, has been elevated to the position of a Head Coach of the club following the sudden departure of Bashiru Hayford.

Mr Enoch Laryea, an official of the Kpando based club who disclosed this to the GNA Sports said Cobblah, who took over the technical affairs of the club since Hayford's departure had been confirmed. He said the coach who assisted Hayford throughout the last season and was part of the club's success story in the 2005 Top Four Tournament was well qualified to handle the team as he had an impressive curriculum vitae.

Mr Laryea, known in football circles as "Yashin" said the coach had also roped in Orlando Wellington as his assistant after the management board gave him the free hand to appoint an assistant. He said the departure of coach Hayford would not affect the team's performance as the two coaches had justified the confidence reposed in them after some trials.

Lions, the surprise winners of this year's Coca Cola Top Four Tournament last week lost the services of their coach who steered them to victory.

Coach Hayford has pitched camp with another premiership side Power FC, citing his commitment to the Tema Technical School, where he doubles as Sports Master as his reasons.

The coach was of the view that his movement to Kpando made it difficult for him to have much time for his duties at the School hence his decision to shift to a Tema based team.

Hayford's movement would be the third coach this season following Francis Oti-Akenten's move from Ashantigold to King Faisal and Jones Attuquayefio's indication of his desire to rejoin the technical bench of Liberty Professionals. 07 April 05