'Black Stars must be given 'fat' winning bonuses'

Ex-Black Stars striker Samuel Opoku Nti has called on government to reconsider its decision to slash the winning bonuses of the national teams insisting players must be paid ‘fat’ winning bonuses since they have the shortest working life span.

According to the Asante Kotoko General Manager, footballers retire early than any working labour force and that it is always important to consider that when taken decisions involving them.

Reports from the Ministry of Youth and Sports have revealed that the winning bonuses of the Black Stars players is to be slashed from $10,000 to $5,000 but the ex-Black Stars striker thinks otherwise.

Speaking to GHANAsoccernet.com Opoku Nti said: “Black Stars players must be given huge winning bonuses because they deserve it. It is their job and we must respect that.

“What most people do not know is that players have the shortest retirement age when it comes to work. As many people will be retiring at the age of 60, footballers retire between the ages of 34 and 38. They then have close to 22 years to have retired like others.

“So they must be given fat bonuses to be able to save for the future."

The 1982 Africa Cup of Nations winner however advised government to negotiate with the players on an agreed fee.