Accra Athletic Coach, Tonny Lokko, has won the Coach of the Month award for January 2023 in the Greater Accra Division Two League.
The maiden awards held at the Accra Sports Stadium Media Centre on Thursday saw the former Inter Allies sweat merchant beat off competition from Emmanuel Pentem of Panthers FC, Nana Kwaku Agyemang of Progen, Joyce Aku Menns of Desidero, Emmanuel Kweku Addo of Faith Soccer, Awudu Issaka of FC Raisa and George Otchie of Charity Stars FC to win the ultimate.
The experienced gaffer was presented with a customised Greater Accra Regional Football Association (GARFA) plaque, balls and other prizes.
Coach Lokko won all four games in January to amass 12 points; scored seven goals and conceded two, placing Accra Athletic FC at the top spot in Zone 1, with 29 points after 11 games and a game to spare.
Emmanuel Osei of Accra Verum Ipsum emerged the Best Player of the Month, having scored five goals in four games, with three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.
He went home with two pairs of footballs boots, balls and other prizes.
The talented midfielder won the accolade ahead of Musibau Aziz of Still Believe FC, Bismark Addai of Golden Boys FC, Immigration FC’s Nathaniel Nunoo and Jeremiah Allottey of Remar Ghana FC.
Lieutenant Cornelius Nettey- CI of the Ghana Armed Forces was named the Best Referee ahead of Confidence Adjetey Bless CIII and Festus Bewu CTY.
Speaking at the event, GARFA Chairman, Mr Samuel Aboabire, said the award scheme will be held monthly to reward distinguished players, coaches and referees that excel in their respective fields.
GARFA also presented certificates to 40 coaches who took part in the GFA/CAF License D Programme.
The Director of Coaching Education at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, urged the graduates to put to use their acquired skills to advance the course of grassroots football.
He said, the coaches would have to practice for two years to be able to proceed to the next level, but was convinced that after a year, CAF License D holders can progress to License C.
The event was graced by former Ghanaian internationals Charles Taylor and Yaw Preko, popular Ghanaian movie star Pascaline Edwards among others.
The Greater Accra Division Two league continues today with match day 13 fixtures across all six Zones.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
