Dreams FC manager Charles Akonnor feels poor officiating can hurt the progress of locally-based players at international level.

The former Black Stars captain has had cause to complain bitterly about the performance of referees in some games played by his club in their debut campaign in the Ghana Premier League.

Clubs are often expected to lose games when they are away from home – effectively leaving no genuine chance for traveling opponents.

But Akonnor feels this trait could have a negative impact on the mentality of players especially if they are to be relied upon at international level.

“We must be able to create an environment for players to go into away matches and have the confidence to win,” the former Wolfsburg star said in a post-season interview with Dreams TV.

“You see if we are not careful it can affect us at international level in the sense that you have a player whose mentality is to always expect to lose in away matches.

“He has that mentality that as for away, we will lose.”