11-year-old boy puts Kwesi Nyantakyi on the spot

An 11-year-old boy on Thursday enjoyed a rare discussion with Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi as he put the football leader on the spot during a Q&A session.

Seyram Mawuenyega, who describes himself as a ‘lifelong Black Stars fan’ hogged the headilines in the Ghanaian sports media when he penned a letter to the GFA on his views about how to improve the senior men’s national team and “better understand the views and opinions of Ghanaians.”

In his letter, some of his concerns centred on the form of some players, captainship issues, the use of youth and experienced players, nationality switches, tapping into the experience of ex-Black Stars players and taking of penalty kicks.

However the GFA President welcomed the youngster to his office and addressed his concerns by taking time to present him with the facts about the happenings in the national team and the workings of the sport body.

The delighted youngster took in Kwesi Nyantakyi’s lecture which lasted for 30 minutes and after the session, he expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.

“I am hoping that they will take the issues that I have raised quite seriously. So I am pleased about that [the interaction] and I am hoping that the FA will keep working hard to develop the Black Stars,” Seyram Mawuenyega said. “Yes, I am happy with the open interaction.”

Asked if he was satisfied by the responses from the GFA President, he said: “They were positive and I agreed with most of them and I am happy with the interaction that we’ve had and that I was able to speak to him about my views and ideas.”

For Seyram, it’s the first step and hopes his views will be taken on board.

“Well, basically, it’s a step by step process. So there were some that I agreed and some that I didn’t but he is the President so he has to assess and look at them,” he said.

Kwesi Nyantakyi thanked the young boy for taking time to put forward his concerns and encouraged him to continue researching into issues and study hard.

The GFA President asked him to continue supporting the Black Stars and asked Seyram Mawuenyega to be his guest in Ghana’s next home game.