Arsenal’s Robert Pires lauds Ghanaian talents after Barclays Cup match

Former French International and Arsenal star man, Robert Pires has lauded Ghanaian football prospects after watching them play at the Barclay’s Cup match in Accra at the Al-Rayan School on Sunday.

Players of a Non-Government Organization (NGO), Play Soccer Ghana, were divided into two teams – Team Barclays vs Team Absa – for the eight aside Barclay’s Cup match. After several minutes of displaying an artistry of football skills, techniques and tactics, Team Absa came from behind to record a 3-3 tie against Team Barclays who were up by two goals in the opening minutes of the game. Team Absa subsequently won the game on penalties by 4-2.

In an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb TV after the game, Robert Pires described the young players as having good football techniques but encouraged them to be hard working if they want to be professional footballers.

“Some of them have good techniques, good passes, abilities but it’s very interesting. Some of them may want to reach the highest level in their career but I repeat they have to be hard working because they have good qualities with the ball,” the 1998 World Cup winner said.

Asked if the players can become great footballers in future, Pires answered in the affirmative but advised that the players must be nurtured in academies.

“They need a good academy because if you have a good academy you can learn, listen and even work with the first team. I know in Ghana you love football and I think for the new generation I think you need a good ambassador like Michael Essien and Marcel Desailly. For this children, it’s about the inspiration so if you have the dream you will try to follow this way,” the former Premier League winner said.

Robert Pires is in Ghana to promote Barclays' Super Fans United campaign.

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