Among other discussions in the media, matters arising from the Black Stars of Ghana fraternity concerning Qatar World Cup qualifies cannot be overlooked. I want to look at some of the matters arising now- Matches played so far, attitude of players, contributions of coaches, role of the GFA, and Media influence.
Matches played so far.
Ghana has played four matches and won three out of four- nine points out of 12 is not a bad performance. However, the game between Ghana and South Africa should have been a drawn game. The Ghana Black Stars could have even won that game but for the COVID restrictions on some key players of the team who had played to secure three points in the previous match against Ethiopia. I don’t think anyone should be hard on the players nor the coach. South Africa had a big advantage in that game.
Attitude of Players
Generally, the attitude of the players in all four matches has been good. However, in the match against South Africa, their performance leaves much to be desired. Some players could have done better in that game. There was no urgency on the part of some of the players. I didn’t see competition among them. They were complacent per my observation.
Contributions of Coaches
Within a span of two months we have two different coaches handling the team- CK and Milo. I want to believe both coaches put in their best. CK, did his best. I don’t think he is to blame largely for the loss to South Africa. He was in a very weak situation owing to the fact that about seven key players of his team were not in Johannesburg. The benefit of the doubt should be given to him. Perhaps his only fault is not being able to be bold with changes. Nonetheless CK was not too bad.
Milo, takes over from CK and coaches the team to win a doubleheader against Zimbabwe. To be fair to other coaches, Milo has almost all key players around- Dede, Thomas Party, Kudus, Kamaldeen, Baba Rahman etc. Besides, Milo has so many options.
That not withstanding, Milo brings something new to the team. The team looks more organised and focused. He speaks to the players like a father and there is much respect for him by the players. There is seriousness at training. Milo has virtually the same players CK had and he shows authority and control over the players.
I am not good at reading the game, however, I noticed the risk Milo takes in his selection- keeping Jojo in the poles, keeping Amartey at the right full back, being comfortable changing the captain and many others.
Milo also seem to have some interesting support from the FA because CK has been sacked for not giving good results as judged by the FA. Therefore, the FA would want to prove why Milo is the right choice.
The Role of the GFA
From where I sit, I dare say the GFA has a great influence on the team. The GFA supported CK and I think the support should have been more. The GFA was smart in changing the coach.
However, the circumstances warranting the change of coach could have been avoided if proper planning were done by the GFA.
Our local coaches can do the same as the expatriate coaches if they get the maximum support. It looks like we treat our local coaches following the saying ‘a prophet is not accepted in his own country’. The support of the GFA for both local and expatriate coaches must be same.
Media Influence
Hmmm, let me sigh before talking about the media. The media can make and unmake the black stars team. The media has so many ideas than the GFA, the coach, and the players. The media is good and sometimes it can cause a lot of harm to the team.
It was the media which complained about the performance of coach CK and the players. Previously it was Sellas Tetteh and Kwesi Appiah .
For the players in recent times it is Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew. Some years back we can talk of the criticism on Abedi Ayew and Kwame Ayew, Simon Addo and Joe Addo, Richard kingson and Laryea Kingston, Baffour Gyan and Asamoah Gyan to mention but few. Today, it is Dede and Jordan. Is it not interesting?
Kwesi Appiah was accused of of performing abysmally. He was made to look like the worse coach ever and we forget he helped the team qualified to Brazil.
Asamoah Gyan was accused of letting the nation down on some occasions meanwhile we forget about his contributions of helping the national team reach higher positions in tournaments.
Now the media has turned the heat on Dede Ayew. You hear people saying he should not be part of the team and so on. Not long ago, in our match against Zimbabwe in Cape Coast, a commentator was annoyed with the substitution of Kamaldeen and not Dede Ayew. I remember telling a colleague Dede will score a goal to shame his critics and it happened. The media will always not get it right.
The Way Forward
I believe patience is a virtue we must all give to the black stars. Yes, for over 40 years we have failed to win the Afcon, however, there is still hope. The past is gone we must focus on the future. We must support both local and expatriate coaches. Our captains are so important to our the team’s success so we must accord them the needed respect.
Growing up, I saw the contributions of Abedi Pele, CK Akunnor, Stephen Appiah, John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan and now Dede Ayew. We must honour this guys. Let us stop comparing them.
Asamoah is good in a different respect. 51 goals for the national team is no less an achievement.
Dede Ayew is good in a different respect. 20 goals for the national team and he is still playing. Let’s not forget he is the young man who captained the 2009 galant young men who won the under 20 World Cup in Egypt.
We must respect all our players and manage them well. They are all important.
The media must be very charitable with certain comments.
God bless our homeland Ghana. Long live the Black Stars.
Source : Osofo AB, Accra
