Black Stars manager Chris Hughton attends ‘Akwasidae Festival’ ahead of Angola clash in Kumasi

New Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton is already immersing himself into Ghana’s rich culture and tradition by participating in the Asante Kingdom’s ‘Akwasidae Festival’.

Hughton was appointed head coach of Ghana’s senior national football team last month, tasked with steering the team to the top of the game on the continent and globally.

The former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspurs Coach is set to take charge of his first game when Ghana play Angola on Thursday, March 23 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

As part of settling in, the new coach understands the need to blend perfectly with the local setup and in doing so, he’s started by appreciating the rich culture and traditions in Ghana.

Following his arrival in Kumasi, Hughton; who was born in England though he has Ghanaian roots, decided to participate in the great traditional Akwasidae Festival.

The Akwasidae festival holds dear to the Ashantis. Held under the auspices of the Great Asante King Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks.

There are a wide range of traditional rituals and ceremonies that comprise various chiefs and subjects dressed in traditional outfits who primarily show up at the Royal court to pledge allegiance and eulogize the Asantehene.

This age-long event draws massive audience from all over the country and also those in the diaspora.

To have the Black Stars Coach partake in this latest installment of the event gives it a football feel and also send positive signals that the senior national team has the full blessing of the overlord of the Asante Kingdom when they play on his soil on Thursday.

Chris Hughton was seen in the presence of his able assistant coach George Boateng and a section of the football leadership.