Former Black Stars player Augustine Ahinful has blamed the managers of the national team for the recent controversies surrounding captaincy issues.

According to him, during his playing days, the players unanimously decided who would become captain, which ensured peaceful transitions and a serene atmosphere in camp.

“I never saw any division in the national team. For instance, when Dossena took over as Black Stars coach in 1998, the players unanimously decided that CK Akonnor should be our captain. It wasn’t even the coach — it was us, the players, who wanted CK to be the captain,” he told GhanaWeb's Frank-Kamal Acheampong on SportsCheck.

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However, he stated that the situation is different in recent times, as captaincy transitions seem to be poorly managed by team officials, which needs to be addressed.

The former Borussia Dortmund forward pointed to recent confusion regarding captaincy issues involving Dede Ayew and Asamoah Gyan, as well as Jordan Ayew and Kudus Mohammed.

“Sometimes, we make decisions that create the impression of problems within the team. For instance, all of a sudden, Kudus was made captain, and then later Jordan became captain. So, ask yourself what really transpired. It’s not the players who are creating that — it’s the officials running the national team. I don’t know why, but even before that, Kwasi Appiah named Dede Ayew captain and Asamoah Gyan general captain, and there was controversy.

“I don’t know where these issues come from. Of course, we play in the national team, but not everyone can be your close confidant. You have your favorites, people you greet casually, and others you joke with. Even in your own home, with your children, in your heart of hearts you may prefer some over others. It’s normal — not that you hate them, but such is life,” he said.

SB/AE

Watch the latest episode of Sports Check with ex-Black Stars forward Augustine Ahinful