John Mensah Speaks

John Mensah

The leadership qualities of ex-Black Stars' skipper, Stephen Appiah, have left many wondering whether his successor, John Mensah, has what it takes to continue from where the former left off.

The cool-and-collected captain,   John Mensah (JM) , in an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE SPORTS ' (DGS) Kofi Owusu Aduonum , admitted the enormity of the responsibility that goes with the high office.

But  the Rock of Gibraltar, as he is referred to by friends and fans, gave the assurance that he has settled well as the new leader and with massive support from his colleagues, the Black Stars will go places. Below are excerpts of the interview.

 
DGS : Capito how are you enjoying your vacation in Ghana?

JM : Well, it's been great so far. After all the hustle and bustle, spending a few days with the family back home is fun.

DGS : Has your new role brought some pressure on you?

JM : Not at all, I have been deputizing for Appiah for many years, and have acted as the captain in his absence. It is normal,  there is no pressure at all.

DGS : How would you describe Stephen Appiah as a person and his leadership qualities?

JM : He is a great guy  both on and off the field; using the adjective great is an understatement, he is a real leader. He carries the team on his shoulder when the going gets really tough and I think that is the mark of a great leader.

DGS : What would you say about the current squad?
JM : We have a great team, the mixture of the young players and some of us who have been around for sometime make the team solid. And I believe with the tenacity of purpose, we will travel very far.

DGS : How has your relationship with the guys been since assuming your new role?

JM : They have been very supportive. They take instructions and hold me in high esteem. We play together more often and that binds us together as a team. The  high level of oneness in camp is maintained.

DGS : Do the Stars have a chance of making it to the next Nations Cup?

JM : Sure! We are on course and nothing is stopping us. We have two games at hand and I see victory in sight.

DGS : Having worked under many mangers, how different is Plavi (Goran Stevanovic) to the many you have worked with?

JM : (Laughs) You are putting me in a tight corner. He is as good as the many I have worked with. He is a nice manager.

DGS : There have been reports that a lot of top European sides need your services, how true are these reports?

JM : Yea, you are right. A lot of clubs have expressed interest but the final decision lies in the hands of my manager. You know I am still a Lyon player, but my agent would have to take a lot of factors like my purse, location and so on into consideration before we settle on my next move.

DGS : How was your relationship with Gyan and Muntari at the Stadium of Light?

JM : It was something else. We hardly get homesick because of our close association. We advice each other and hang out occasionally after training sessions and matches.

DGS : What relaxes the 'Rock', and how did you come by the nickname?

JM : Staying with my family and watching movies together after church service does relax me. I love listening to inspirational gospel tunes. A  Methodist  pastor  by name J.B. Quarshie, after observing how I play  conferred the name 'Rock of Gibraltar' on me after the 2006 World Cup.

DGS : Where do you fellowship?
JM : I am a Methodist.
DGS : Can you tell us about your family?
JM : I am married to a beautiful and supportive lady by name Henrietta with four wonderful kids- three boys and a girl. I am the last of six siblings. I also have a very supportive mum. she is Mary Donkor, who is currently in Obuasi .

DGS : Has any of your kids demonstrated football skills?

JM : Not really. I believe in timing, when the time arrives, it would be obvious and all I have to do will be to encourage and polish the talent.

DGS : Are you the only player from your family?
JM : Eh… no, one of my siblings, Isaac Simons played actively but he did not travel as far as I did.

DGS : How do you handle negative stories from the  Ghanaian media.

JM : I most of the time ignore them, but as human as I am, there are times it does affect me negatively.

DGS : Thanks for your time sir
JM : My pleasure