Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has weighed in on what the Black Stars need to do to achieve success on the pitch.
In his view, the key to winning games lies in the collective mindset of the players, urging them to unite under a shared goal.
Stephen Appiah emphasised the importance of commitment, noting that players selected for national duty must recognise the honour of representing Ghana.
He stressed that with millions of Ghanaians vying for the chance, being among the select few chosen to wear the Black Stars jersey should inspire the highest level of dedication and pride.
“Players who come to the national team have to be committed. I am not seeing that. They have to be committed because out of a population of 30-something million, you are part of a select 23. It is an honour. You are representing Ghana, and you must make it worthwhile,” Stephen Appiah stated during his appearance before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports.
He further reflected on the team’s recent struggles, saying that while a strong captain is important, it takes more than leadership to win matches. True success, he believes, comes when every player on the team is aligned with the same objectives.
“For the past five years we are struggling, we are not seeing things like that [commitment]. You can be a good captain, it doesn’t mean you can win games. When you and your colleagues have the same goal, that is when you win,” Appiah remarked.
The Black Stars are set to return to action in October as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Crucial back-to-back victories against Sudan are essential for boosting Ghana’s chances of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.