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Opinions of Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Columnist: ghanasoccernet.com

Sports Ministry/GFA combat; peace or we bust

Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye and GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye and GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi

Enough of the brouhaha. Enough of the hullabaloo. Enough of the spineless enchantment.

Time for serious business. Time for the real deal.

Instead, all efforts should be channeled into bringing the rather unfortunate impasse to a standstill.

No need to wrestle and waste time, energies and resources over unproductive stalemate.

Put differently, time to find a truce to this showmanship of who’s boss of Ghana Sports, precisely, Ghana Football.

Ghana Black Stars has just qualified for the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon starting January.

A crucial World Cup qualifiers against the might of the Pharaoh’s of Egypt is just around the corner.

Is anyone concerned? Is anybody interested?

They have been described as perennial underachievers for well over three decades.

The last time they annexed the ultimate was way back in 1982, having previously won the African Cup of Nations 3 times (in 1965, 1978, and 1982).

Though they have been runner-up on 5 different occasions (in 1968, 1970, 1992, 2010 and 2015), it is simply not good enough for a country of Ghana’s pedigree.

They are best categorized as ‘nearly men’. This is not the story many staunch fans would want to tell.

Ghana deserves more, perhaps, better. Black Stars are at the war-front and nothing could propel them to perform beyond our expectation than our unflagging support.

Along with determination, perseverance, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, it can serve as a catalyst for them to deliver the goods. Many discussions have centred on the actual effect of the power-play between the Minister of Sports and GFA boss.

If it is mishandled, it could degenerate into such heights that would be inimical to the progress of Ghana football.

It might be ok to register one's displeasure. Yes, it might even be more prudent to criticize constructively.

Nonetheless, the story is told differently in this part of our world especially if one throws tantrums publicly.

As for supporters, their utmost interest and delight lie in the team churning out good results.

The reverse is also true. Once the outcome turns out to be different, trust to find them wallowing in frustration and reverential disbelief.

Nonetheless, victory is not won on a silver platter.

A lot of efforts should go into galvanizing the teaming supporters.

Most are disappointed, disgruntled and undoubtedly hopeless... and quiet rightly so.

The national team coach has frantically expressed his disappointment with the recent developments. He had hardly minced words.

The eminent factionalism emanating from the Ministry and the GFA requires swift attention and immediate resolution.

We cannot sit aloof and watch as it escalates into immeasurable and eventually irreparable heights. The thing that divides us should be the same tool used to unite us.

I am happy some of these absorbing issues are dying down and gives a cause for optimistism.

Even though, my fears have not been entirely allayed, it is a step in the right direction.

Often times, something poignant or gargantuan rears its head.

Are we going to learn from such unpardonable mistakes?

This is football, our managers will really need to put their egos aside and iron out their differences for the good of Ghana football.

Mr. Herbert Mensah recently opined that the Minister, Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye and the GFA boss, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi should either go for a coffee or beer together to address these pertinent issues and settle their differences.

This is not the time to wash dirty linens outside, the unsavoury outbursts of some of the managers have been rather unfortunate, unnecessary and somewhat mischievous.

I am gobsmacked to demystify some of these despicable remarks.

I wonder if it is worthwhile. The buck does not stop with any one - single - individual.

It is our national team, hence, any utterances, altercations, outcry should be for the good of the party.

Anything less cannot be entertained. This recent stalemate is inimical to the progress of Ghana football.

"No one is an island", a concerted effort is a prerequisite to build and champion a common dream.

As a friend bluntly puts it, "Ghanaians will never forgive Black Stars, if they fail to Win 2017 African Cup of Nations."

We need to stay focus and find a truce since this will probably affect the performance of the team. “When two elephants fight…”

This distant myth can only be achieved if and only if the bickering, factionalism, stereotypical ideologies, friendly but nonsensical fire stops.

If the deadlock cannot be broken, then, a bigger hand, possibly the President of Ghana would be required to step in to crack the whip and settle the impasse.

Whose interest are we serving? Ghana or personal egos? The detractors and war-mongers should be fished out and be ruthlessly put to sleep.

Ghanaians cannot afford further disappointments. ‘Nearly men’, perennial underachievers and almost counts for nothing.

It is 2017 African Cup of Nations winners’ medal or simply a failure.

It is time to smoke the peace pipe to achieve our common goal.

Time for tranquility, maybe it is just the right to have some moment of peace.

I hope our capos are reading. Ghana first. I am simply unperturbed by the maniacal and surreptitious glares, facts are faced.

Need I say anything more?