Herbert Mensah hails Ernst Middendorp on his 66th Birthday for transforming Ghanaian football

Former Asante Kotoko Chairman Herbert Mensah has paid tribute to German Coach Ernst Middendorp on his 66th Birthday, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming football in Ghana.

Middendorp, who managed Kotoko during a significant period, earned high praise from Mensah for his commitment to player development and his efforts to implement global football standards.

“Happy Birthday, Ernst! Today you turn 66. The world is truly better for it. If more people recognized your contributions, they would see just how crucial you’ve been to the sport’s development, not only in Ghana but around the world,” Mensah reflected on Middendorp’s substantial impact.

Mensah elaborated on Middendorp’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing his focus on both physical and mental player development and a more strategic approach to the game.

“You taught us in Ghana, and I watched you travel the globe—from South Africa to the Far East, the Middle East, and back to Europe—that the foundations of sport, especially football, are built at a young age,” Mensah remarked.

He recalled a memorable late-night conversation before a critical match, where Middendorp detailed his player selection process. “You said, ‘I trust him,’ and I thought, ‘Trust? What does that mean?’ You clarified that you needed players who could execute instructions perfectly—positioning, reading the game, and making runs,” Mensah recounted. “That level of trust and attention to detail changed football in Ghana.”

Mensah also noted how Middendorp significantly raised the team’s fitness levels, helping players like Godfred Yeboah and Aziz Ansah become key components of the strategy. “When you improved fitness… I see that in today’s game, like when I watched Liverpool and Arsenal. We were ahead of our time.”

Beyond his on-field impact, Mensah commended Middendorp’s relentless work ethic. “From 6 a.m. training to afternoon sessions and scouting talent in Brong Ahafo and beyond, you made a real difference, Ernst,” he said, underscoring the coach’s dedication to talent development.

Expressing gratitude for Middendorp’s legacy, Mensah stated, “You set the standard. Ghana will always be thankful for what you’ve done. Happy birthday, my friend.”

Middendorp’s long and successful coaching career across multiple continents has made him a respected figure in Ghanaian football, with his time at Asante Kotoko remembered as a period of innovation and progress.