Appiah leaves Ghana selection door open

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is sticking by his measured approach in his player relations as he leaves the Black Stars selection door open.

Defeat to Zambia in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying after a blistering 7-0 win over Lesotho in the start to the campaign has drawn mixed reactions over his player call ups.


Some commentators, including former players are demanding of the coach to take on board players missing in recent times due to various reasons.


But Appiah, a former international himself is aware of the need to treat such matters with a bit of tact whilst not losing faith in those that he is working with.


“There is a place in the side for those who are prepared to work hard and die for the team. But remember you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to play,” the Ghana coach said in reaction to the idea of calling up players who have taken time off national duties.

Though open to other views, the Black Stars coach is demanding total support for people entrusted with responsibilities.


“We need to put down some markers to show that Africa can do it. All coaches like me have a responsibility to do well and to gain the confidence of our leaders. But we also need the support of our people, and we need to be given the same circumstances to work in that expatriate coaches demand,” he said.


Ghana are seeking to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup.


The Black Stars became just the third African country to get to the quarter-finals, at the last finals in South Africa in 2010.