Boxing analyst Isaac Mortey has thrown his weight behind Black Bombers head coach Ofori Asare, insisting the veteran trainer remains Ghana’s most qualified boxing coach and should be supported rather than replaced.
Speaking exclusively to The Vault News, Mortey dismissed recent calls for a coaching change following Ghana’s performances at the just ended Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, arguing that the real problems confronting the national boxing team extend far beyond the technical bench.
The Black Bombers, Ghana’s national amateur boxing team, have been one of the country’s most successful sporting teams in recent years, winning medals at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and African competitions under Ofori Asare’s leadership.
The veteran trainer is also an internationally certified AIBA coaching instructor, making him one of Ghana’s most highly qualified boxing coaches.
For Mortey, replacing Ofori Asare would do little to solve the structural challenges affecting Ghanaian boxing. “He is the best that we have and who will replace him ?” Mortey questioned.
“When you look at his credentials, he is an internationally certified AIBA coach. He is the only recognised certified coach that we have.”
Isaac Mortey, Sports Analyst
According to Mortey, criticism of the coach ignores the difficult environment in which he works, with athletes lacking essential support systems needed to perform consistently at the highest level.
‘You Can’t Blame Him’
Mortey argued that the absence of residential training camps and athlete welfare programmes makes it difficult for the coaching staff to properly prepare boxers for international competitions.
“Mostly, you can’t blame him. These boys don’t have dietitians, so they eat anything that comes their way. And they don’t have a camp, so they go home. Whatever they do in their individual houses, you don’t see. You can’t monitor and regulate it until they come back to training the next day.”
Isaac Mortey
He noted that elite boxing programmes around the world rely on structured camp environments where athletes’ nutrition, recovery and daily routines are carefully monitored, something Ghana currently lacks.
Mortey further revealed that Ofori Asare often provides financial assistance to members of the team from his own pocket to keep them focused on training. “Sometimes he has to use his own resources to support the boys.“
According to him, such sacrifices demonstrate the coach’s commitment to the national team despite limited institutional support.
Focus Should Be On Improving The System
Rather than changing the technical leadership, Mortey believes authorities should concentrate on building a stronger support structure around the Black Bombers.
“The idea of replacing him shouldn’t be the issue. But the idea of improving what we have should be the basis of the conversation. He is the best man to lead us. I can assure you of that.”
Isaac Mortey, Sport Analyst
Mortey stressed that improving athlete welfare, establishing permanent training camps, strengthening nutrition programmes and providing adequate logistical support would have a far greater impact on Ghana’s boxing fortunes than replacing the head coach.
He maintained that with the right environment and investment, Ofori Asare has the experience and qualifications to guide the Black Bombers to greater success on the international stage.
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