Ghanaian Footballers In Italy End On A High Note

Ghanaians players in the Italian Serie A are counting their successes after the last matches for the year 2003 were honoured at the various league centres.

But as the players head for their Christmas holidays, Ghana is being hailed as the best African contingent in the Serie A for the 2003/2004 season which will end in summer.

The ecstatic Udinese throng who hoisted Sulley Muntari to shoulder-height after their defeat of AC Milan this afternoon, shows how the 19 year old Ghanaian midfielder has captured the hearts of Italian football fans. A happy way for Muntari to arrive home tomorrow evening with the title of the man-of-match award in the match around his neck. He has seen full time action in the past five matches which should ensure him a starting place when he returns from holiday in January.

The captain of the Black Stars is the main reason why Ghanaians are now being counted among the top contributing countries to the Serie A. His move to Juventus which shocked pundits coupled with the seat he took under Edgar Davids's table has catapulted him to one of the best midfielders in the Serie A today. After a good start for Juventus this season, tiredness is beginning to set in. But the captain of the Black Stars will arrive in Ghana on Tuesday knowing that he pulled his team out of danger. His perfect assist to David Trezeguet with earned his team a face saving 1-1 draw to lowly placed Lecce in the 87th minute. His position as a starter for his team in not in doubt as he returns January for tougher matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Serie A.

Gargo Mohammed's return to the first team of Udinese is refreshing. He has come on as a substitute in the last two matches. He has been impressive so far but, January is the time for Gargo to stamp his authority and take back his position in the first team.

John Mensah has mainly played from the bench this season but the Black Meteors defender is capable of pulling a first team position with Chievo but that has to come with hard work in January.

Razak Ibrahim's future with Empoli remains uncertain after injuries rued his chances of playing for the first team. The only option the struggling Empoli has is to loan him out to a team for him to recover and return for a first team place.