Former Ghanaian football star Malik Jabir has sharply criticized Laryea Kingston’s decision to step down as head coach of the Black Starlets, labeling it as "childish."
Jabir, who also served as a coach for Asante Kotoko, believes Kingston's resignation highlights his inexperience and hopes he will learn from this episode.
Kingston announced his resignation following the Black Starlets' 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso in the WAFU B U-17 Championship, which led to the team's failure to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The announcement took many by surprise, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council and the team's management.
"It was a childish decision he took," Jabir commented during an interview on Kessben FM. "Was he thinking of beating all countries on the continent? No. This means he is a young coach and I think he will learn going forward. Once he’s resigned, if he gets another opportunity he will learn from it."
The GFA accepted Kingston's resignation, but the details of his actions, such as not attending team meetings and not getting off the team bus en route to the hotel, attracted significant criticism.
In response to the backlash, Kingston released a statement acknowledging that he could have managed the situation better and offered an unreserved apology to everyone affected by his decision.
This reflective stance suggests a willingness to learn from the experience.
Kingston's departure has left the Black Starlets in a challenging position. Assistant coach Jacob Nartey has taken over the coaching responsibilities, leading the team in their third-place playoff match against Nigeria.
As the team regroups, the GFA will need to address the coaching situation promptly to ensure stability and continuity for the young players.
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