Kojo Addae-Mensah, CEO of Databank Group and a passionate football fan, dey urge Ghana Football Association (GFA) say make dem retain di core group of players wey secure qualification for di 2026 FIFA World Cup. He dey warn against bringing in Europe-born players wey previously decline call-ups.
Speaking on Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, Addae-Mensah talk say di team recent performance against Comoros show say dem get resilience and dem dey grow. He stress say those wey help Ghana qualify deserve make dem represent di nation for di world stage.
“These guys don really work hard under extreme circumstances. If for nothing at all, dem deserve make dem chop di fruits of their labour,” he talk.
While he dey acknowledge say some dey argue say make dem include Ghanaian-origin players wey dey abroad, Addae-Mensah maintain say past experience show say most of such players dey struggle to adapt to di team style and local football culture.
“Usually, those wey no grow up here dey struggle to click. Inaki no hit di heights we know am for, and even Wollacott no quite make it. So I dey lean towards say make we go with those wey actually qualify us,” he explain.
He further commend goalkeeper Frederick Asare for his steady performances, noting say both di player and di coach don vindicate after initial skepticism over his inclusion.
“Di coach talk say Asare be his number one, and he no disappoint. He dey pick up clean sheets rapidly, just like how Olele take his opportunity years ago,” Addae-Mensah talk.
He add say di strong fan turnout for Baba Yara Stadium during di final qualifying match show say Ghanaians dey ready to rally behind di team once management make transparent, consistent decisions.
Key Takeaways from Addae-Mensah's Interview
- Retain di core group of players wey qualify for di World Cup.
- Avoid last-minute call-ups for Europe-born players.
- Ghanaian players wey dey abroad dey struggle to adapt.
- Frederick Asare performance dey justify his selection.
- Ghanaians dey ready to support di Black Stars if management dey transparent.
Next Steps for GFA
Di GFA go need to consider Addae-Mensah ein advice as dem dey prepare for di 2026 World Cup. Building on di existing team chemistry and rewarding players wey help secure qualification go be crucial for success for di tournament.