Ethiopia Football: Coach Onuora talks about opportunity, challenges & frustration

Addis Ababa – National team head coach Iffy Onuora in an interview with the weekly English newspaper, the Ethiopian Reporter, said that while he welcomed the opportunity to coach the national team, he also acknowledged the many challenges he faces, including the lack of professionalism on the part of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) and the sports media.

Coach Onuora talked about his coaching credentials & qualifications, how he took the job, the team’s chances to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup, how it will do in the CECAFA Cup, the Ethiopian Premier League, and much more.

He said that the national team faces a major hurdle to qualify for the upcoming African Nations Cup, as it is drawn in a tough group with strong teams like Guinea and Nigeria.

He said that he is frustrated by the lack of professionalism on the parts of both the EFF and the sports media. “My duty is in the field worrying about tactics, strategy, evaluating the players’ positions, selecting the best player possible and so on. However, I do not know how to deal with passport problems or hotels and the like”, administrative tasks, which are normally handled by the football federation and not the national team head coach.

“The media as well have to show some professionalism. In England the press people would watch trainings, inquire what the chances of the team are, if there are injuries and follow the progress closely. I do not know of the financial constraint or other matters, I do not see that in Ethiopia” he noted.

For the complete interview, please visit the Ethiopian Reporter.