Exclusive: Dortmund Legend Tanko Reveals Accra Lions' Goals Amid Struggles, Offers Insights to Elevate Ghana Premier League

Coach Ibrahim Tanko has emphasized that Accra Lions' main objective is to secure their place in the Ghana Premier League amid their recent struggles.

Under the leadership of Borussia Dortmund legend as technical director, the Accra-based club secured an impressive second-place finish in the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League season, outperforming traditional powerhouses Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

However, the Lions have faced significant challenges this season and currently sit at the bottom of the table, with only nine points from 12 matches.

Disappointingly, they have failed to secure a win in their last eight league outings as the struggles continue.

NO PRESSURE FROM CLUB MANAGEMENT

Despite Accra Lions' poor run, the former Ghana national team coach insists he has the full backing of the club management, dismissing reports that his job is under threat as false and untrue.

"I am not under fire. We have a philosophy as a club and the owners know what they want. For us, it is not about winning the league, " Tanko told SportsBoom.com.

"For us, it's not about winning the league. That's why we don't have any pressure. You understand? We keep the boys confident. Even if they lose two to three games [consecutively], still we want them to play the way we want.

"We know what we want. It's not about the league. We want to build a very good players for European players. And then, if possible, they will come back and help the national team."

TANKO SETS MODEST AMBITION

According to the football icon, Accra Lions have struggled because of the mass exodus of player, regardless, it is premature to write off the club’s chances despite their poor run.

While stressing that winning the league is not their main focus, he reveals that Accra Lions are focused on securing their place in the Ghana Premier League.

He continued: "We just want to stay in the league. Last season, we came second. We nearly won the league. But after [the 2023-24] season, we transferred eight of our players.

"So, we have to bring new ones from the youth team. This is Accra Lions. We always try to give them a chance and then sell them outside. That's why we don't want to even win the league because we are playing with a very young team.

"We don't pick more than 20-year-old players. We take always from 16 to 18. And then they are the ones playing in our Premier League and they are playing against very experienced teams.

"All of them are traditional clubs with big budgets, but we have our own philosophy. We have our own style of play and focus on building our players, shaping how we want them to play, based on European standards.

"Ultimately, this is what we’re working towards. So, our primary goal is to remain in the league. But if the opportunity to win it arises, why not? As for pressure from management, no, there isn’t any."

MAKING THE GHANA TOPFLIGHT ATTRACTIVE

Ghana Premier League is considered one of the most prestigious football leagues in Africa, thanks to its storied history, dedicated fan base, and continuous production of talented players.

With iconic clubs such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, and Aduana Stars, the league has played a pivotal role in shaping African football, producing countless players who have gone on to represent national teams across Africa.

Unfortunately, the league appears to be on the decline, as reflected in the recent performances of its clubs in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Participation and success in these prestigious continental tournaments have been limited in recent years, highlighting some of the challenges the league is currently facing but Tanko suggests a way forward.

He added: "I think one of the key things we need to focus on is securing sponsorship to help us maintain our position in the league, and maybe even extend it before players start leaving.

"It’s really disheartening to see our local players traveling abroad, only to return after six months. We've seen many players go to Tunisia, Algeria, and other countries, but they often come back because they are not treated with the respect they deserve. They leave primarily for financial reasons.

"If there is money in our league, players would definitely prefer to stay and play in their home country. But when there’s no financial incentive, it’s a different story. Right now, even players are heading to Ethiopia, where the financial offers are much better than what they earn here.

"The most important thing is for the Football Association to secure sponsorship and make the league more attractive. This will help keep players in the country for longer periods."

Accra Lions will look to break their poor form as they host second-placed Nations in their next match.