Sam Johnson Backs Ziese

Ghanaian defender Sam Johnson has advised the FA not to sack coach Burkhard Ziese as a result of the Black Stars failure to qualify for the 2004 Nations Cup.

Johnson told the BBC that Ziese needs time to rebuild the national team and should be given the required support to do so.

Johnson said the FA's poor management of the national team's qualifying campaign was the primary cause of their failure to qualify for Tunisia 2004.

The player, who last played for the Stars against Uganda, believes the lack of respect for foreign-based players has contributed to the team’s woeful performance.

"If we continue like this, players in the national team will come and go and nothing will be achieved."

The defender said that he would now concentrate on his Turkish club career with Gaziantepspor since the Black stars failed to qualify for the Nations Cup.

Sam Johnson was recently axed by Turkish club Fernabache in line with coach Christian Daum’s wish to build a youthful team.