Soccer News of Saturday, 25 February 2012

Source: from frank owusu obimpeh.

Black Stars Players Fingered For Poor Attitude

Black Stars players have come in for criticism for their conduct at the 2012 African Nations Cup after the executive committee of the Ghana Football Association met Goran Stevanovic and the technical team to discuss the outcome of the tournament.

Allegations of late-night gambling and splits in the squad have been rife on radio and while Stevanovic told a press conference that his players had conducted themselves well during their stay in Gabon, he did admit in his report to the executive committee that there were cracks within the squad and issues bothering on black magic.

“After losing to Zambia, there arose so many accusations amongst the players during my meeting with them. I have learnt great lessons from African football and also about Ghanaian players' behaviour on and off the field.

“We all need to help in changing some players' mentality about using black power to destroy themselves and also make sure we install discipline and respect for each other,” Stevanovic wrote in his report to the executive committee.

GFA president Kwesi Nyantekyie said the attitude of some players had adversely affected the team during the competition.

“During the competition we observed that some players played to achieve personal fame, prominence and excellence to the detriment of the team,” Nyantakyi said.

“When this came to our attention we called a meeting where the issue was discussed in the open.

“We believe that during the course of the competition that discussion contributed in improving the situation but it did not totally eliminate it. We also had complains of some of them of especially the senior players accusing some of the junior ones of disrespect.

“These are things we believe on a continued basis we will be able to help the players out of these unfortunate character traits which affected the team adversely.”