EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Dramani speaks on journey so far and 2015 targets

Published on: 29 December 2014
EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Dramani speaks on journey so far and 2015 targets
Asante Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Dramani

By Rahman Osman

Follow on Twitter: @iamrahmanosman

With 2004 coming to an end, GHANASoccernet.com caught up with arguably the best Ghanaian coach on the local scene Mas-Ud Dramani of Asante Kotoko for more on his career so far and look into 2015. 

Dramani has won the league and FA cup in 2004 and capped off a remarkable year by being a scout for Ghana at the world cup.

GHANASoccernet.com: First, can you tell us about Mas-Ud Dramani?

Mas-Ud Dramani: Well Dramani is from Gonja but I am sure people think I am from Dagomba land but I am a Gonja. I attended almost all my school in Tamale and even taught at Vittin Senior High School as a P.E teacher.

GSN: When did you decide you were going to take football as a career?

MD: From an early stage football was part of my life. Even in Senior Secondary School in Tamale Business Secondary School, I was the captain of R.T.U a post I held for four years.

GSN: Which clubs did you play for and what fond memories do you have of the clubs?

MD: Funny enough I played for only two clubs R.T.U and Ebusua Dwarfs fondest memory was the time I captain of RTU to second place finish in the then Ghana Premier League just short of winning the trophy and also playing in the then CAF Cup in 1992 were really good times then.

GSN: How did it all begin as a coach for you?

MD: Even though I played football it got to a time I grew passion for coaching and doubled up as a player coach in my later playing career with R.T.U, I really felt good about, before I knew it I had taken up the position of coach of Tamale Hearts babies without pay and from there I never looked back.

GSN: What was the secret behind you’re under 17 female triumph?

MD: Respect for well structured Program (road map), planning and preparation , coupled with Hard work. That was our Secret

GSN:  When you heard you had been given the Kotoko job at the back of an impressive tournament with the female under 17 what did you first make of it?

MD: I thought it was an opportunity at the highest coaching at club level and also the need to showcase my potentials. Also, the need to use the League matches as my advance preparation since I was not around during the preparation and also when the league took off.

GSN: .How would you describe your first year with Kumasi Asante Kotoko?

MD: It was with mixed feeling. Some appreciated and believed in my philosophy others were seriously against my policies (They tried to use my own technical staff against me). I rather became stronger and kept my FOCUS AND DIRECTION. I learnt so many things quickly.

GSN:  How would you describe your second season with the club?

MD: The first year gave me an insight of the club and the Ghana Premier league. I was solid on the ground due to solid preparation of the team.

GSN:You have worked with some incredible talents but who can you pick out as the most talented player you have worked with?

MD: Hmmmm , I think this is a very difficult one , I have coached different players from various levels e.g Academy, Females, males and even the death team of Ghana. Talent can be seen in diverse ways in football. All my players have a level of potential.

GSN: You went to the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a backroom staff of Kwesi Appiah tell us what your main duties were?

MD: I was a Scout in charge of the United States of America. I was also reassigned to scout on the Portugal team in Manaus when the later played USA, this was when Mr. Francis Oti Akenteng was taken ill and could not make the trip. My duty was to gather enough information on the team scouted on and report to the head coach and also liaise with the Video Analyst (Michael and Later John).

GSN: Kwesi Appiah is no more the coach of the Black Stars but what do u make of his time with the Black Stars and what it meant for local coaches?

MD: He is the first Black coach to qualify Ghana to a World Cup. He opened up the way for a Ghanaian coach for the Black Stars job.

GSN: Kotoko have failed to impress in the CAF Champions league what do make your teams continual struggles?

MD: I think we need to have a holistic approach from technical team, players positive mentality/attitude, good planning from management, adequate support from the board, unflinching support from the fans and the media.

GSN:  What are your personal targets for 2015?

MD: Winning games and breaking into Africa to create an impact.

GSN: What was your most outstanding sporting moment of 2014?

MD: (Laughs) No doubt winning the double for Kotoko (defending the league and also winning the FA Cup)

GSN: finally any words for young and coming coaches who aspire to be like you?

MD: Sacrifice, hard work and perseverance and the will to keep your focus at all times.

GSN: Thank you coach and happy New Year.

MDi: Welcome my brother and same to you

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