You are here: HomeNews2011 11 25Article 224322

Soccer News of Friday, 25 November 2011

Source: supersport.com

GFA Boss to speak to Kevin one more time

Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi will be in Italy one more time in his bid to get Kevin-Prince Boateng back into the Black Stars. In a stance likely to further steepen the curve of the debate regarding the Milan player, the president affirmed the importance of the impending resumption of talks with the player.

“I maintain we still need Kevin to return and the idea to return to talking to him is not bad at all,” Nyantakyi told a reporter on Wednesday night.

The president’s position was affirmed after watching the 24-year old play against Barcelona in the Champions League that evening.

“Watching him regularly play at a high level for a top World Cup like AC Milan is a delight but anguish at the same time when you think he cannot come and do that for the Black Stars.”

Boateng sent a letter to the Ghana FA earlier this month of his decision to resign from the senior national team, citing health concerns. Considering the way he was given a callup into the team, many have felt Boateng has betrayed the country at a time when he may be most needed.

Several bigwigs have spoken on the issue, with an equal split in opinions as to whether the player should be pursued or otherwise. One camp believes the team is bigger than any one player and he should be left alone, with the other view insisting that a player of Boateng's quality should be courted into returning into the fold.
A third party, led by ex-GFA capo Randy Abbey, have sent strong signals that Boateng's decision to quit was a result of deeper issues within the Black Stars which should be looked at properly.
Skepticism
Kevin-Prince’s current form suggests that he could be an important cog in Ghana’s wheel in its bid to win a fifth Nations Cup trophy. Kwesi Nyantakyi, however, is skeptical of the player’s return before kickoff of the 2012 tournament.
“Mooting the idea of speaking to him again? Why not? I will want to see him return but I doubt it will be before the Afcon in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.”
SuperSport.com understands the president will make his trip sometime between now and the middle of December, when Goran Stevanovic is expected to name his 23-man team for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
However sources say the trip will not be to persuade the player to make himself available for selection, since the FA president is aware of the potential for such a move to disrupt preparations for the tournament.