Former Black Stars Captain, Stephen Appiah believes that the Ghana Football Association [GFA] have neglected some of the former players/legends from actively serving or contributing in different capacities/portfolios for the various national teams. The legend further revealed the sacrifices and immense contribution he played, during his tenure as the skipper of the national team.
The Black Stars have not won the Africa Cup of Nations in 41 years and Hughton has been left with the challenge of ending this AFCON drought.
The ex-Black Stars captain shared his disappointment with the state of the game during an interview with Sompa FM Sports in Ghana. The ex-Juventus and Fenerbache star believe former players and legends of the country should be involved in the running of the game.
“It’s sad because of the contacts that we have and the people we can pick phones and call, when I mention names, you will be shocked,” he said on Sompa TV. “At times we don’t get the chance, I mean the legends, former players, we don’t get the chance. “I have learnt something, football is run by footballers, it is not about English or the grammar. It is all about wisdom”. He added.
“When I went to Italy, I didn’t understand Italian but when the coach communicates I get it. I hope that one day if not Stephen Appiah, one of the ex-footballers will be wholly involved in the administration of football. We have the contacts. Some of us are humble and if you know your value you don’t worry yourself about some things,” he told Sompa FM in Ghana.
Appiah 42, led Ghana to her first World Cup in Germany in 2006 then painfully opened up on the sacrifices by some ex-players for the Black Stars to be where it is now.
“There was a time nobody wanted to play the Black Stars. There was a time I used my money to pay for plane tickets. I also paid winning bonuses so when you see what is happening today you feel bad.” he ended.
Appiah’s recent involvement with the national team was when he played the role of team manager under former coach Kwesi Appiah. However, the 42-year-old has been away from any of the national team or administrative roles since Kurt Okraku assumed office as GFA president.
