Black Stars' fan calls on clubs to be development-oriented

Kumasi, Jan 11, GNA - Master Richard Kankam-Boadu, a staunch supporter of the national football team, the Black Stars has advised Ghanaian Clubs to endeavour to explore avenues to improve upon their management structures and facilities to ensure the advancement of professionalism in football development in the country. He said it behoves on Ghanaian clubs to do away with superstition and practices that hamper the accelerated development of football in the country and rather be committed to adopting a scientific approach to the game.

In an interview with the GNA Sports in Kumasi on Wednesday, Master Kankam-Boadu, a class six pupil of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Basic School, wondered why clubs like Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, which were formed in 1911 and 1935 can not to date boast of their own stadia and other basic facilities after all these years.

The Black Stars supporter further took a swipe at the management of football clubs in the country for doing little to institute proactive academy programmes.

Master Kankam-Boadu noted that the negative trend can therefore be attributed to the recent dismal performances of the junior national teams at international competitions, 93since they are not well-groomed for such big occasions".

He said the hasty and unprofessional programmes by the Clubs has also contributed to the exodus of most Ghanaian young players to seek greener pastures abroad as the local teams have no comprehensive graduation system and programmes for the enhancement of the career development of young players.

Master Kankam-Boadu appealed to Ghanaian football fans to shun hooliganism and disrespect for football rules and regulations for the total development of Ghana football. He commended the Black Stars and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien for being voted the BBC African player for 2006 and hoped the award would spur him on to strive for greater feats in his career. 11 Jan. 07