Nations FC head coach Kassim Mingle has shared his perspective on the challenges of coaching club football, stating that managing a local team is more demanding than coaching the Black Stars.
Despite having over three decades of coaching experience, Mingle has yet to be offered the opportunity to manage any of Ghana's national teams. However, he remains optimistic that his consistent work will eventually earn him the recognition he deserves.
Mingle led Nations FC to a seventh-place finish in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League and currently has his team sitting at the top of the table with 22 points after 11 games.
In an interview with Akoma FM, Mingle discussed his belief that coaching is ultimately about destiny, preferring to keep a low profile and let his work speak for itself. He also took pride in the success of many players he has developed, who have gone on to represent the national team or play professionally abroad.
Reflecting on the difference between managing club teams and national sides, Mingle said, “Football, in my opinion, is destiny, so I usually keep a low profile and dislike being hyped up because I think your work will speak for itself no matter how long it takes. Many of the players I’ve developed have made it to the national team and are now working as professionals abroad.”
Mingle went on to explain that coaching the Black Stars, in his view, is easier than managing a local team. “The Black Stars have already chosen players who are already at the top for you; all you have to do is arrange them, position them, and convince them of your philosophy to get the desired results. This makes coaching the Black Stars much easier than coaching a local team. At the local team, you will be given fringe players that you must develop and teach.”
While Mingle has not yet had the chance to lead the Black Stars, he expressed his hope that the opportunity will come, and when it does, he will embrace it fully.
