Plavi Must Tread Cautiously

Goran Stevanovic

For the first time in many years Goalkeeper Richard Olele Kingson's name is missing in Ghana's squad for an important assignment.

Kingson, since 2006, has been consistent in post for the Black Stars including their two successive World Cup and Nations Cups.

Lately, the Ghanaian soccer populace has doubted his agility and competence following some 'sins' he committed in the Ghana-Congo Nations Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium.

That notwithstanding, his inclusion will no doubt serve as an inspiration as well as create some competition among himself, young Adam Kwarasey and Thomas Sowah.

He has acquired so much over the years by way of experience and his exclusion from the Ghana double header- against Sudan and Nigeria- has thrown the football family into a heated debate.

Many have expressed the concern that Olele, his unattached status notwithstanding, should be allowed to be with the team for sometime before he bows out finally.

Stars' coach, Goran 'Plavi' Stevanovic may be walking his talk that he will give no consideration to players who are not attached, but Olele's case should be handled with great caution.

For now, DAILY GUIDE SPORTS cannot really state whether the veteran goalkeeper has been sidelined based on ill health or current status.

But if he was dropped based on Plavi's 'philosophy', then the coach is setting a bad precedent.

Over the years, young players like Isaac Asare, Samuel Osei Kuffuor, Odartey Lamptey were blended with the Abedi Peles, Tony Yeboahs, Armah Senegals and Frimpong Mansos till the young ones finally took over.

Jonathan Mensah, Lee Arday and others will become better defenders in future owing to the fact that they are still playing alongside great defenders like John Mensah.

Ghana is scheduled to play Sudan in Khartoum in a Group I decider on October 8 and three days later face their Nigerian counterparts in London.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum