Ignatius Osei-Fosu rates Kwesi Appiah ahead of Enzo Maresca

Sudan assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu has unequivocally stated that former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah surpasses Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca in terms of coaching prowess.

Speaking on the Pitchside Podcast, Osei-Fosu lauded Appiah’s exceptional abilities, highlighting his vast experience, charisma, and motivational skills.

“Kwesi has vast experience than Maresca,” Osei-Fosu said emphatically.

“If Ghana was a European team, Kwesi would have coached a France in there, to tell you the truth. It’s his ability, his charisma, and motivational skills together with being able to choose a tactical approach to suit your players.”

Osei-Fosu further emphasized Appiah’s adaptability and pragmatic approach to coaching.

“Sometimes, you watch something, Kwesi is a typical 4-4-2 coach, but he comes here, every time 4-3-3 formation,” he observed. “He doesn’t just play his philosophy. He is more of a pragmatic coach because he knows when and how to deliver what to do.”

James Kwesi Appiah has remained faithful to his principles throughout his storied career. The former Ghana defender has only ever known African football, and his passion for developing the game on the continent burns as strongly as ever.

Indeed, even after winning the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1982 alongside the great Abedi Pele, he never succumbed to the allure of European football.

Instead, Appiah spent most of his playing career with Asante Kotoko in his native Kumasi, and later became coach of the club after hanging up his boots.

This led to him becoming an assistant coach with the Ghana national team, where he was able to learn the ropes under veteran tacticians Claude Le Roy and Milovan Rajevac.

At the 2011 African Games, Appiah was put in charge of the country’s U-23 side, whose tournament victory paved the way for his appointment as coach of the senior national team the following year.

He then steered the Black Stars to Brazil 2014, becoming the first coach from sub-Saharan Africa to lead a team at a FIFA World Cup.

Under Appiah’s guidance, Sudan have achieved significant success.

The former Ghana coach qualified Sudan for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and is in the process of securing a spot for next year’s World Cup.

Sudan currently sit third in Group B with 12 points after six rounds of matches.

Since his return to Sudan, Appiah has won nine, drawn five, and lost five of the 18 games with the Sudanese national team.

His leadership and tactical acumen have been instrumental in the team’s progress, and Osei-Fosu’s praise is a testament to Appiah’s exceptional coaching abilities.

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