Stephen Appiah's leadership quality was amazing - Derek Boateng

Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has lavished praise on Stephen Appiah, hailing the former Black Stars captain as a leader who led by example and set the benchmark for professionalism.

Appiah captained Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups in Germany and South Africa, cementing his place as one of the most respected leaders in the history of the national team.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng highlighted Appiah’s discipline, work ethic and authority in camp, stressing that his influence was central to Ghana’s most successful modern era.

“Stephen would never ask a young player to do anything he wouldn’t do himself on the field or in training. I remember watching him train, the way he ran and worked. I said to myself, Look at my senior, how he’s running, how he’s playing," the former Fulham midfielder said.

According to the former Fulham midfielder, Appiah’s leadership style left no room for excuses.

"I need to do more. I need to step up.’ Everything he asked us to do, he did it himself to show us we had no excuse. His leadership quality was amazing. When it was time to joke, we joked. When it was time for business, it was business," he added.

Appiah currently serves as deputy chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, continuing his contribution to Ghana football off the pitch.