Coach Eben Sefa has expressed disappointment with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for what he perceives as a lack of gratitude towards IMAX Media, the parent company of StarTimes, for their contributions to Ghanaian football.
According to the coach, the GFA has turned its back on IMAX Media, offering inadequate support and showing disregard for the quality of coverage that has been pivotal in promoting local leagues and competitions.
In an interview with Max.com.gh, Coach Sefa underscored the role IMAX Media has played in elevating the visibility of Ghanaian football, including the Ghana Premier League (GPL). He lamented that recent developments have resulted in substandard media coverage of the league, which has affected its appeal to fans and stakeholders.
“The GFA has been ungrateful to IMAX Media. They turned their backs on an organization that has consistently delivered high-quality coverage of our leagues. Now, what we have is poor-quality coverage that fails to attract fans or sponsors,” Coach Sefa remarked
Coach Sefa highlighted the extensive efforts by IMAX Media in providing top-tier coverage for various football competitions in the country. He noted that aside from the GPL, the company has also been instrumental in broadcasting matches from:
- The Women’s Premier League
- The Division Two League
- The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup
- The MTN FA Cup
These contributions, according to him, have not only boosted the popularity of the leagues but have also served as a platform for showcasing local talents to a global audience.
The coach expressed concern over the decline in the quality of football coverage since the GFA shifted its focus away from IMAX Media. He argued that poor production standards negatively impact the viewing experience, reducing the competitiveness of Ghanaian football in the global market.
“The quality we used to enjoy with IMAX Media’s involvement is no longer there. This affects how people perceive the league, from fans to sponsors and even players who want to build their careers here,” he added.
Coach Sefa urged the GFA to reconsider its relationship with IMAX Media and explore avenues to restore the partnership. He believes that rebuilding this relationship could revitalize the GPL and other local competitions, ensuring that they receive the attention and investment they deserve.
“It’s time for the GFA to rethink their decisions and work with organizations that genuinely have the interest of Ghanaian football at heart. IMAX Media has proven its commitment, and it’s only fair to give them the support they need,” he concluded.
Coach Sefa’s comments come amid growing concerns about the future of Ghanaian football, with many stakeholders calling for improved management and investment in the sport.