GFA must consider involving former players in running of Black Stars – Augustine Ahinful

Ahinful’s comments come after the announcement of a new Management Committee for the senior national team. Stephen Appiah, a former Black Stars captain, is the only ex-player included in the new committee. He will serve as Vice Chairman and lead player relations.

Given the recent struggles of the national team, Ahinful believes that including former players in the management structure would significantly benefit both the team and the players.

In an interview on Accra-based Sporty FM, Ahinful reflected on the time when former Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah championed the involvement of former players. Ahinful recalled that Afriyie-Ankrah, upon his appointment, met with former players and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG).

Ahinful said that following these meetings, the minister directed that former players, including himself, Stephen Appiah, Osei Kuffour, and CK Akonnor, be included in every Black Stars match. Ahinful himself was part of the technical committee and was tasked with advising on how to improve the national teams.

“When Elvis Afriyie Ankrah was appointed the Sports Minister, he met most of the old players and also met the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana [PFAG] but I don’t know what he picked from the meeting but along the line, he gave an instruction that every Black Stars match, myself, Stephen Appiah, Osei Kuffour and CK Akonnor should be part of the team and I was part of the technical committee as well,” he said.

“I was tasked to write and advise the technical committee on what could be done to advance the fortunes of the national teams and also speak to the players.”

He shared a memorable experience before a match against Egypt in Kumasi when he and Osei Kuffour met Maxwell Konadu, who was struggling with nerves.

After a conversation with them, Konadu’s mind was at ease, and Ghana went on to win 6-1 the following day.

Ahinful emphasized that former players can offer valuable support, whether by providing guidance to the current squad or offering advice to the coaching staff.

“I remember before we played Egypt in Kumasi, I was with Osei Kuffour in the lobby and we saw Maxwell Konadu come to us and say I could not sleep but after he left us, his mind was cleared because he had met his teammates and there were jokes and then we won 6-1 at the following day.

“I again met a player stepping out late and said he was giving a ticket to someone but I requested to have the ticket and asked to him to go and rest. So these are the things that players who have been there before when they are part of the set-up could bring on board to help the team,” he added.

With the Black Stars failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the team now shifts its focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will resume in March with matches against Chad and Madagascar.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet