Doya: The Government Wanted Me Gone

In an interview with German SportBild, Ghana head technician Ratomir “Doya” Dujkovic echoed the sentiments of many rabid Ghana fans following this year’s early performance, noting the widespread call for his dismissal. Doya said that “Even the Government wanted me out of the job. 90% of the media called for my sacking. They wanted a local coach to take the team to the WC. I am still very disappointed about the call for my sacking. I cannot simply understand why the whole country is being ungrateful. This is the first time Ghana has qualified for the WC and it is to my credit.”

While gamely refusing to name names in the Government, Doya also refused to note the widespread popular sentiment among fans that he be sacked. He did speculate that his current contract, which expires in December 2006, will not be extended. All for the better for him apparently. The prima donna grandmaster noted that “I am not a person who can work where I am not loved.” Which I suppose leaves countries like Myanmar, the Sudan and North Korea. (Trivia question, which of these three has Doya previously coached for?)

And, in a telling assessment of the hopes of Africa in the World Cup: “Discipline is the biggest problem with Black Africans. They have none. Africans have a different mentality from Europeans or the South Americans. “