Opoku Afriyie Laments Exodus Of Players.

The premature exodus of Ghanaian players to seek greener pastures abroad has been identified as the basic problem militating against the development and progress of Ghana football. This is because before the games get interesting in the country players in the local league must stay and mature before leaving the shores of the nation to ply their profession.

The Team manger of the Senior National Team the Black Stars, Mr. Opoku Afriyie made these observations on AUTHENTIC KAPITAL SPORTS in an interview from the camp of the Stars in Obuasi. He said the spontaneous response of the players to camp at the Coconut Groove Hotel in Obuasi is an epitome of the zeal with which the team will approach the impending crucial make or break world cup qualifier against the Cranes of Uganda at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday. Mr. Opoku Afriyie disclosed that all the locally based professionals invited had reported to the Camp. Also in camp were Eyimba striker Joe Tex Frimpong and Godwin Attram. According to him the full compliment of the team is expected latest on Wednesday.

Asked what he thought the chances of the team will be on Sunday, Opoku Afriyie optimistically predicted a resounding victory for the Stars, adding that all Ghanaians need to do is to render their never-say-die support to the Stars come Sunday.

He however condemned self-centered club officials who are bent on making money at all cost by selling inexperienced players to foreign land to play professional football. He said football in the country was highly competitive in the days when he played because they played out of love for the game and commitment to the national course. He hopes that the unhealthy movement of players abroad will be checked to bring more spice and beauty to the game.

Mr. Opoku Afriyie who is also the Team Manager of Kumasi Asante Kotoko sounded hopeful about the team's chances of winning this year's Ghana Telecom Premier League.