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Former Asante Kotoko coach recalls his time in charge of the Black Starlets
Former Ghana U17 coach Samuel Paa Kwasi Fabin has revealed that at one point he was forced to seek help from player agents during his time in charge of affairs.
The former Inter Allies manager guided the Black Starlets to the 2017 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon, where his team finished as a losing finalist.
Despite disappointment at the climax, Ghana’s final four spots were enough to secure a qualifying ticket to the World Cup in India later that year, where the team reached the quarterfinals.
“They told me to break the guys at a certain point in our preparation due to lack of funds. But that would have been a huge blow to the team so I couldn’t let that happen,” Fabin told Pure FM.
“So I had to use my money just to get food for the team. I asked the kitchen staff what they needed and made calls to the players’ coaches.
“They were very supportive too and I added my quota just so we can stay at the camp.”
Fabin was unable to remain in charge of the U-17 team after the World Cup, as rumors speculated that the team’s disappointing performance at the World Cup was the reason behind his departure.
He, however, reveals that the real reason for his departure was far from media reports.
“They told me to continue as head coach of the Ghana U-17 team after the World Cup, but I gave them one condition. It was simple,” he said.
“I had stayed with the level for six years and preferred a contract before accepting the job. They did not agree and that is why they did not appoint me.”
In early 2018, Fabin got a new job as head coach of Asante Kotoko, the giants of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), but surprisingly the union only lasted seven months.
Despite his unceremonious departure, he is not closing the door on a possible return to the Porcupine Warriors.
“I am ready to serve Asante Kotoko SC again. Not just Kotoko but any other club. I have enjoyed all the clubs that I have coached. I have never regretted coaching any team in Ghana, ”said the coach.
“I enjoyed training when coach Middendorp brought me to Herbert Mensah to help develop players for Asante Kotoko.”
Fabin also had a brief stint as coach of the U17 and U20 Ugandan national teams in 2019.
