Accra, Feb. 12, GNA - The former skipper of the Black Stars, C. K. Akunnor has called for a correct diagnosis of the abysmal performance of the Stars' at the just-ended 25 MTN African Cup of Nations in order to provide the appropriate remedy to forestall its reoccurrence at the Summer World Cup.
He said the blame game would not help the national course adding that there was the need for the soccer authorities to have a sober reflection on what went wrong for it to be rectified. Akunnor, 31, suggested to the GNA Sports at his Trasaco residence in Accra that there was the need for a blend of former players and the current young ones to provide a perfect squad capable of conquering the world.
He cited countries like Cameroon and Nigerian who featured players- like Raymond Kalla and Rogobert Song- who have donned their national colours before they (C. K. and Co) did and wondered the sudden ideological shift in the selection of players.
The tall lanky player who now is a regular feature for A. C. Horsens, a first division club in Denmark said it was wrong for Ghanaian soccer authorities to discard the former players en bloc irrespective of their current performance on the perception that they were old.
"I joined the Black Stars at a tender age in 1993 and later captained the team in 1999 till I left in 2000. So to some, because I have been with the team for about eight years, it meant I was old. This statement is unfortunate and illogical," he told the GNA Sports.
The former Fortuna Colone and Wolsfberg player said there was the need for the "players selection net" to be expanded to assemble the best materials irrespective of where they play.
"After all, Sam Johnson, Yaw Preko, Otto Addo and few other guys are still playing well, why can't the coach invite them to assess their play," he quizzed.
Akunnor mentioned in particular Samuel Osei Kuffour's performance in Ghana's game against Nigeria, saying, "his experience distinguished him from the rest."
"We need to revamp our team in order not to disgrace ourselves at the World stage," he said.
He said Ghana's performance at the World Cup in Germany would have a direct correlation in the economy, particularly on player transfer adding, "we have to get things right before June."
We’ll no longer tolerate your empty, unwarranted attacks – TUC blasts Prof Adei
Bawumia donates GHc200,000 to support Madina fire victims
IMF to disburse US$360million third tranche to Ghana without creditors MoU
Truck owner share insights into train collision incident
Paramount chief of Bassare Traditional Area passes on
Two teachers in court over alleged illegal possession of BECE papers
Sunyani: Victim allegedly shot by traditional warriors appeals for justice
Mahama vows to scrap teacher licensure exams, review Free SHS policy
Government will replace burnt Madina shops with a new three-story, 120-store fac...
