Time To Pull The Plugs On Dede Ayew's Black Stars Career!

The exclusion of Ghana Black Stars captain, Dede Ayew from the latest squad to face Mali in the World Cup qualifiers has given rise to calls from some quarters for the captain to call it quits from the national team since he has become surplus to requirements.

Dede Ayew, undoubtedly has served the national team diligently to the best of his abilities. His meteoric rise from the U-20 squad that won Gold at the World U-20 Championship to being drafted into the senior national team can never be discounted.

Having earned 120 caps for the national team is a no mean achievement. On any day in the colours of the national team, he covers every blade of grass.

Another attribute he posesses is his resilience even in the face of adversity on the pitch. He will not miss any opportunity to motivate his charges not to give up the fight for victory or parity. This dedication, however sometimes frustrates some supporters who believe that he concerns himself too much with leadership roles at the expense of putting up a sterling performance.

Dede Ayew got himself into the wrong books of a section of Ghanaians in 2013 when he prematurely retired from the national team after falling out with the Ghana Football Association. This act angered some Ghanaians who felt his reason for exiting was not grounded in patriotism. Upon his return, he made amends by serving the football community with good performances replete with spectacular goals.

However, he went fallow as a result of being clubless. It is obvious that without regular club football, one loses his agility, speed, stamina that makes him a good candidate for selection into any good competitive national team. That notwithstanding, Dede peaked at the latter part of the season, making the calls for his expulsion from the national team unwarranted.

Unfortunately, Coach Otto Addo who is in charge of the team, and better appreciates the dynamics of the team has dealt Dede a bitter blow leaving him motionless by excluding him from the squad.

It is time for the captain to reflect upon his national team career. He has paid his dues, and it would be unfair to be pushed out of the team unceremoniously. It is time to give way for some youthful exuberance to be injected into the team.

Dede Ayew, who got a shot at the national team at a tender age should understand the actions of the coach. Some other senior players had to forfeit their positions for him and his colleagues from the youth team to also make a name for themselves.

This is the time to build a cohesive team that plays fluid football, and to achieve that the axe has to fall on some players. It is just unfortunate that Dede is at the receiving end, after giving his all to the team.

One must leave the stage when the applause is loudest, else risk being yanked and dragged through the mud.

Dede, you have done a yeoman's job worthy of emulation. The moment of truth is here for you to make one of the toughest decisions of your life. I believe you will decide with Ghana at heart.