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Sports Features of Thursday, 24 December 2009

Source: Morris, Theophilus

The Sulley Muntari Saga

A lot of paper and ink have been poured into the story of Sulley Muntari's exclusion from the current Black Stars team. It is therefore time for all to take a critical look at the issue and instead offer credit where due. The GFA action must be applauded, deserving our unflagging commendation for the courage garnered in sanctioning the player. After all such a firm and decisive action will only encourage discipline and dedication - the ingredients for a successful team. It is quite unfortunate how many a soccer player continues to show a complete disregard for the honour to represent the nation once they achieve national and international fame. Sadly though the mention of Sulley Muntari reminds us all of many of such distasteful developments and perhaps we are back on this road once again as a result of many advocates who believe such enforcements are unwarranted.

The recent event was the result of Sulley Muntari, together with Essien and Asamoah Gyan refusal to join the team for an invitational match against the Palancas Negras of Angola. When the team was named on November 17, we learned that only Appiah and Inkoom sought permission to be excused.

This was a match the Black Stars had hoped to win to improve their FIFA standing especially having failed to win in their last three matches. Added to this was the fact that the Black Antelopes of Angola were determined to win by injecting five foreign-based players into their squad. The absence of the three experienced players was inexcusable and the GFA in a face-saving attempt decided to impose a meagre $5000 fine with an apology on the culprits.

Reports had it that on November 22, the GFA confirmed that Essien and Asamoah Gyan wrote to apologize for their absenteeism. This was anteceded by an earlier apology by Asamoah Gyan on November 19, in an interview with Peace FM.

As was the case, Sulley considered himself so indispensable to react to the soccer authorities threat by refusing to react in timely fashion. Thus one had hoped when the coach emplaned to Italy and sought to meet with him, he would have seized the opportunity to make amends but his insubordination was heightened by his refusal to make time for the team's coach. To call a nation bluff could have had no better consequence than what Sulley Muntari is faced with today.

The writer prays that the sanction be allowed to continue even as the world gathers in South Africa for the World Cup soccer fiesta. Only then will the essence of the punishment be felt properly and serve as a tonic of determent.

Otherwise, what we are preaching to these fortunate stars is to play truancy for convenience; and once a sanction is invoked, offer an apology and that is. How ridiculous! To those advocating for leniency, could the same be said of the murderer who offers apology for that gruesome crime? In a just society punishment is a perfect dose that is why the God of Love is so loved.

There are many who believe that the friendly with Angola which Sulley, together of Essien and Asamoah Gyan decided against, was not that important enough to warrant such a severe punishment. Some of these same voices argue that the Black stars need to play together in as many matches for cohesion and fluidity. It is without doubt that such friendly and exhibition matches are part of building a team. Even the legendary Pele, then with Santos once played against Accra Hearts of Oak in Accra.

The Black Stars has faced many such rejections in the past yet the dedication of many legends have helped in achieving the apogee of glory revered by many soccer pundits today. It is still fresh in our memory how the sacrifices of others went as far as paying their airfare to fly down to honour national assignments. The writer recall a revelation by the legendary Polo and his wife during an interview at their Pig Farm residence in 1990, when he (Polo) confirmed that during the so-called heydays, he was plagued with so much pains that his left foot was placed on pillows hours prior to those matches just to feature for a brief moment. Such agonizing pain was what was believed to have caused him the honour of African Best Footballer award during the 1978 tournament, for which he was widely tipped.

Even in such severe pain, the " Dribbling Magician" rose to the task. Who will forget about the dedication and sterling contributions of Dr. George Oppon Weah, the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year.

It is the contention of this article that the sanction be made to stand. After all Sulley has a place with Inter and therefore this is not a question about ones livelihood. Let's enforce discipline which nobody argues against as a tool for success.

Let's continue separate the chaff from the grains.

By: Theophilus Morris

Houston, USA

thecoolcat9009@yahoo.com