Kwasi Appiah sticks with Gyan as Black Stars captain

Amidst talks of perceived leadership crisis within the Ghana senior national team, new coach James Kwasi Appiah has opted to maintain the status quo.

On-loan Al Ahli striker Asamoah Gyan was made permanent captain of the Black Stars during Appiah’s first stint in October 2012 with West Ham’s Andre Ayew his deputy.

Appiah stated clearly at his unveiling on Tuesday that there are no issues triggering a shake-up and so will continue with the established order of choosing a team leader based on seniority.

“Nothing has changed. And for that reason, there is no need for any changes in terms of the captaincy roles,” he stated.

Explaining further, the coach said: “Unless Gyan is sick or injured, then the next person which is [Andre] Ayew [even if he is in the team], plays the role. And that’s how it has been always for years now. We always look at who has been in the team for longer period. For now, there is nothing to worry about.”

Kwasi Appiah also noted his call-ups will be based on merit, indicating plans to build his team around youthful players.