Ex-Coach Reacts to Kudus No. 10 Jersey Superstition: "Encourage His Growth Mindset"

• Mohammed Kudus was handed the No. 10 shirt for the first time in his Black Stars career against Sudan instead of the No. 20
• During the game, the West Ham United star inexplicably fluffed a chance for Ghana that was easier to score than miss
• Since then, many Ghanaian fans have ascribed superstitious reasons to Kudus' unusual profligacy in front of the goal

Since Mohammed Kudus missed his goal for Ghana against Sudan on October 10, talk about the No. 10 jersey superstition has surged.

During the AFCON qualifier tie, the midfielder switched his regular No. 20 shirt for the jersey previously worn by veteran Andre Ayew.

Against the Falcons, however, new captain Kudus missed a sitter as the game at the Accra Sports Stadium played to a 0-0 deadlock.

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The Black Stars' No.10 jersey superstition

The number 10 jersey holds significant symbolic value in Ghanaian football, often associated with the team's standout player and was previously held by Ayew, who was not called up in recent months.

While Kudus is widely regarded as one of Ghana's brightest talents, his performance against Sudan in Accra didn’t quite live up to expectations, especially after missing the sitter, according to SuperSport.

Many fans have attributed this missed chance to superstitions surrounding the jersey, as cited by ESPN Africa, sparking questions about how players can better manage the pressure as a captain.

How to solve Ghana's No. 10 shirt superstition

Prince George Koffie, former head coach of Accra Great Olympics and Karela United, has suggested a psychological approach to addressing the superstitions surrounding Kudus' wearing No. 10.

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Speaking with YEN.com.gh, he offered insight into how coach Otto Addo could handle the situation and also highlighted the importance of addressing some of the mental factors involved.

"The game of football fundamentally revolves around several pillars: the physical, technical, tactical, and psycho-social. The psycho-social pillar is an integral part of football and should not be underestimated.

"It must be utilised from a coaching perspective to handle external pressures and superstitions, especially in the case of Kudus' No.10 jersey, where the inability to perform at the expected level is being attributed to superstition."

Koffie, who is a CAF License A certificate holder, went on to describe what he would do if he were in Otto Addo's position:

"As an experienced coach, I would guide Kudus and his teammates through what we call 'growth mindset' encouragement.

"This involves fostering the belief that abilities can be improved through effort, emphasising teamwork, mental toughness, a winning mentality, and minimising mistakes."

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By focusing on the psychological aspects, Koffie believes that Kudus and his teammates can overcome the weight of superstition and external pressure, particularly with the second leg against Sudan on October 15 in Libya.

Prince Koffie's tactical advice to Otto Addo

YEN.com.gh also reported that Koffie advised Addo before Ghana's crucial encounter with Sudan.

A victory for the Black Stars in Libya today would elevate them to second place with five points.

Anything less than a win could jeopardise Ghana's chances of qualifying for AFCON in Morocco.

Source: YEN.com.gh