Sports Features of Saturday, 16 January 2010

Source: Aboagye, Kwabena

The Black Stars Defeat Was a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Most Ghanaians knew our beloved Blacks Stars were heading for disaster at the African Cup of Nations in Angola when the team list was published. How on earth can anyone justify the inclusion of an incredible eight players from the national Under-20 squad? One or two would have been very reasonable for such a high-profile tournament featuring the continent’s best teams, and where experience is premium.

Granted several key players were hit by injuries ahead of the all-important championship but that is absolutely no excuse for the coach to act in such reckless and irresponsible manner. There were dozens of 'œmatured' players in Ghana and elsewhere he could have chosen. But then again I reckon what has happened so far is God's way of exposing the coach for who is- an incompetent, clueless and evil-minded individual out to destroy one of the greatest sides in African football-the Black Stars.

Many have questioned the coach's selection criteria-he has a penchant for selecting off-form players and leaving out players who play regularly for their clubs. His tactics are also very questionable and appalling. How can a nation blessed with such incredible football talents suffer to put together a team for a major tournament? For God’s sake what happened to players like Kelvin Boateng,Papa Arko,Derek Boateng,Prince Buabeng etc, and even Sulley Muntari?

What has the coach done to unearth other Ghanaian talents at home and abroad since he was appointed? Has he discovered any new player since he took over? None, to the best of my knowledge.

The Ghana Football Association should also hide its head in shame for foisting this incredibly incompetent coach on Ghana. Is Milo the coach Ghana deserves? This is absolutely disgraceful, unpatriotic and must be resisted! Ghanaians can no longer sit and allow a few evil-minded, greedy individuals to ruin their beloved team-the national pride. The FA is hiding behind the protection it enjoys from FIFA to bring misery to millions of Ghanaian football fans.

Some of us felt they knew what they were doing, even if it didn’t make sense, and offered our prayers and support for the sake of our commitment and love for country. But now it is obvious their intentions are less than noble, and we all must act to kick them out immediately! MILO AND THE GFA MUST GO NOW!

We have to act now to avoid more embarrassment at the World Cup in June. The Ministry of Youth and Sports should not fold its hands because this is one battle that will define the future of Ghana football. It is time to weed out the charlatans who are out to destroy football in Ghana.

Long live our dear Black Stars. Long Live Ghana

Kwabena Aboagye

asoaplomb@yahoo.com