Former Ghanaian international, Sammy Osei-Kuffour has shared his opinion on foreign-based Ghanaian players who have made themselves available to play for the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
On Tuesday, the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku confirmed they availability of six players for selection for the Black Stars ahead of the September international duties.
The GFA boss confirmed in a tweet that Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu, Stephan Ambrosius, Patrick Pfeffer and Ransford Yeboah are available for national selection.
Meanwhile some of the players have also confirmed the news on their social media platforms.
FIFA rules stipulate that players can switch countries if they have not played more than three matches for a country before the age of 21 and have not featured in a World Cup or continental tournament.
The former Bayern Munich defender who is currently serving as the Black Stars Management Committee Member has shared his opinion following the confirmation, urging Ghanaians and the playing body to welcome them.
In an interview with Peace FM, the former Bundesliga top defender said, “I think we need to welcome them with both hands. Whether we like it or not they are Ghanaians and they want to play for Ghana. We have to check it from a different context.
“The longevity is what is needed most. Let’s look at our current players. How old is our captain Andre Ayew? Amartey, how old is he? Jordan, how old is he? Let’s look at someone like Thomas Partey. How old is he?
“All of them are in their 30’s. Even Dede is 33 to 34, Jordan 32 so if we have grabbed the young ones…Tariq Lamptey is almost 21 to 22, Inaki Williams who I think is 26 to 27. You will observe all these things and if he is ready to come play then you need to welcome the person because at the end of the day we will look at the longevity and how he can help the country. That is what is needed.
“World Cup is World Cup. Like you said France won it with foreigners. Even Rudiger is from Sierra Leone but he playing for Germany. There will be a lot of things if you want to say it.
“My opinion is to welcome them with double hands, let them feel at home. Whether we like it or not. They are Ghanaians and if they want to play for Ghana, for me is brilliant.”
The confirmation comes as a boost for the four time African champions ahead of this year’s World Cup in Qatar, where they have been paired with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
