Did Minister kill Star`s spirit?
The Black Stars' not-too-impressive performance has left the lay and pundits alike questioning the team's ability to make a second successive World Cup appearance.
Although the team clinched all three points in their Group 'D' last round World/Africa qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday, they however failed to convince their faithful that a second straight World Cup appearance is in sight.
For many, the team failed to glitter as a result of what ensued between the Mnister for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mubarak, prior to the big game.
Revelations from the meting points to the fact that the Minister's proposal to make some adjustments in the team's winning bonuses, especially to reduce their home winning bonuses demoralized the players.
And as is if that was not enough, the Minister was alleged to have told the team in the face that they can lay down their tools if they want to, since others was willing to don the national colors.
According to a close source at the meeting, an obviously infuriated Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari was said to have furiously retorted to the Minister's statement in the local dialect (Hausa).
It is said that if you have a genuine case and you fail to present it as it should be, you lose the matter, however genuine your case may be.
The Minister may have genuine reasons for his proposal, but the way he presented the case and its timing, I believe played a role in the team's jaded performance.
I hear the Stars demanded $USD10,000 as winning bonus instead of the $8,000 the Minister proposed earlier, with sources saying that the Minister suggested $6,000 for home matches and then $10,000 for away wins.
If the Minister did really tell the team to lay down their tools if they were dissatisfied with the bonus promised them, then I beg to differ, considering the torturous nature of the route to the World Cup and the benefits that goes with playing in the World Cup.
The playing body on the other hand, should take pride in serving their motherland like those of old did, and not to focus too much on the financial gains.
The Stars top Group D with three points and play their second game against Mali, who drew 1-1 with Sudan in June.