The management of the Black Stars should move quickly to nominate a new captain to replace Stephen Appiah. It is not for the benefit of the Black Stars leading to World Cup 2010 for the World’s press to refer to Stephen Appiah as Ghana’s captain consistently. Appiah has not played a club football for over 2years and I do not see how he will be on the field for Ghana next month.

Despite the unquestionable and unyielding service Stephen Appiah has rendered to nation’s football mission, no great coach on this earth will put a player’s health in danger and possibly jeopardize Ghana’s chances at the World Cup by forcing Appiah onto the team and more importantly, on the field. We appreciate Stephen Appiah, but his role should be a cheer leader and adviser with the technical team and not leading the team out of the tunnel during the tournament. It is both dangerous to his health and the competitiveness of the team. If the management does not make the decision on Appiah now, it is setting up a public relations disaster for Ghana. I believe that it is likely that Stephen Appiah will be dropped from the squad after being inactive and out of form for so long. Ghana needs to implement this action now!!

If the management waits until the World Cup time, such action could bring disunity into the Black Stars’ camp. Appiah has a lot of leverage within the team and if the management waits too long to make this strategic move, dropping a Ghanaian football legend like Stephen Appiah last minute will be seen by the World and our opponents as Ghana team falling apart.

Ghanaian football fans worldwide thank Stephen Appiah for his exemplary leadership and service to the nation’s football mission, but it is time for him to know we care about his health and legacy; therefore, he should do the honorable thing and retire from the Black Stars before the tournament. Anything to the contrary will be a major disservice to his legacy, the nation and the wonderful fans of the Ghana Black Stars worldwide.

Thank you Appiah!! You are the best Black Stars captain ever, let’s remember you that way. Please retire and hand the touch to the new generation.

Good luck Black Stars!!

Ghanaian Patriot

Kitson Evans