Zimpapers Logo

ACCRA. — The Ghana Football Association have agreed a two-year contract with Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac as he makes a sensational return to coach the Black Stars.

He will start his latest adventure with the World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe’s Warriors next month.

Rajevac was the coach in charge when the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The 67-year-old arrived here on Sunday night.

Following discussions between Rajevac and officials of the GFA, an agreement was reached for an initial two-year contract.

He will earn US$45 000 a month.

Coach CK Akonnor, who was sacked last Monday, together with his deputies David Duncan and Patrick Greveraars, earned US$25 000 per month.

The three-man committee tasked by Ghana FA to appoint a new coach settled on Rajevac.

‘‘Milo’’ as he is popularly known in the West African country, took the Black Stars on a wonderful adventure at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

They also finished second, at the 2010 AFCON finals, in Angola.

The Serbian met Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, yesterday, ahead of signing his contract.

Avram Grant, the last expatriate coach to lead the Black Stars, was paid US$50 000 monthly, for two years, between 2015 and 2017.

The former Chelsea boss got the Black Stars to the 2015 AFCON final where the team lost out on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire.

The Serbian will be given an official place of his residence as well as an official car to help him effectively carry out his duties.

This revelation comes even before the GFA officially announces the outcome of the report of the three-man committee to select a new coach for the senior national team.

Last Monday, the GFA sacked Akonnor, citing the poor showing by the Black Stars.

The committee decided to narrow down on ‘‘Milo’’ for various reasons, including his knowledge of the Ghanaian terrain, his strong disciplinary record and on-the-field record to, at least, salvage the Black Stars World Cup qualifying campaign.

They also want the Black Stars to shine at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

With more than 100 CVs received from coaches, around the world seeking to lead the Black Stars, the committee agreed that the safest bet was to name someone familiar with the terrain, who has got the potential of bringing back the glory days.

Ghana are currently second on the standings, after two rounds of the qualification matches, of the global tournament.

Meanwhile, England are resigned to losing Callum Hudson-Odoi to Ghana with the Chelsea winger ‘‘disillusioned’’ with the FA, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has appeared three times for the Three Lions’ senior side, though the last of his outings came in 2019.

He was called up for the Under-21s last month, but rejected the chance to link up with Lee Carsley’s squad.

And, according to the Daily Mail, the Blues youngster has become disillusioned with the England set-up.

After creating history two years ago by becoming England’s youngest player to make their debut in a competitive match, he is said to have been disappointed after being dropped to the Under-21 squad.

Hudson-Odoi is still eligible to represent Ghana despite his three international caps, as they all came before he was 21, though he must not add to his appearances.

He would also need to wait to make an application until three years after his last outing for England.

Therefore any application for a switch can only be made after November next year, just before the 2022 World Cup.

‘‘I said Ghana is my home as well, so we’ll see, we’ll see. You’ll never know, so.” — Sports Reporter/GhanaSoccernet/The Sun