Soccer News of Sunday, 27 October 2013

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

We must forget about KP Boateng – Harry Zakkour

Ex-Hearts of Oak Chief Executive Harry Zakkour insists Kevin-Prince Boateng must not be called back into the Black Stars especially with World Cup qualification almost sealed.

The celebrated football administrator joins a list of disgruntled Ghanaian football fans who believe the Schalke star is taking the nation for a ride. Black Stars coach Akwasi Appiah intends offering another chance to the ex-Germany youth international in Ghana’s return leg of the World Cup playoffs against Egypt.

Boateng is yet to make a playing return to the Black Stars since renouncing his premature international retirement two years ago.

The 26-year-old owes his delayed full return to injuries which appear to only come around when international matches are due.

This has sparked beliefs in the minds of many Ghanaians that the ex AC Milan star just doesn’t want to tag along the difficulties of African qualifiers and is only waiting to cash in on the fame provided for by playing at the World Cup.

Zakkour who endured several harsh conditions in leading Hearts to their historical Champions League and Super Cup feats in 2000 now urging the Ghana coach to stick with his charges who have done the job for him throughout the qualification series when finalizing his team to the World Cup.

“We should keep the team, don’t go and bring Kevin Boateng,” he told GTV’s Stage Africa show.

“I have fought in Africa, the mosquito bites and everything and this guy feels he wants to go and sell himself.

“I think we should forget about him. How about if Kevin Boateng’s leg is broken now, are we still going to bring him?

“I am not against Kevin Boateng but the boys who have done well, keep them there and let them go.”

Ghana have all but sealed qualification to next year’s World Cup to be hosted by Brazil following a thumping 6-1 win over Egypt in the first leg of the playoffs.