Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo questions Otto Addo's handling of Black Stars talent

In a revealing session on the Jupay Podcast Live, prominent sports journalist Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo has raised serious concerns regarding Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s handling of national team talent.

Fentuo’s critique centred on tactical decisions and the emotional toll on players, specifically naming Marvin Senaya and Caleb Yirenkyi as examples of poor management.

Fentuo highlighted the case of Marvin Senaya, noting the defender’s significant commitment to Ghana. Senaya reportedly turned down the opportunity to represent Togo in favour of the Black Stars, yet Fentuo revealed that the player has been left frustrated by a lack of game time during critical international windows.

“Devastated” by the Bench

Fentuo recounted a personal interaction with Senaya during a national team trip, describing the player’s morale as being at an all-time low after being sidelined during major matches.

“I spoke to him after the game at breakfast… you could just tell he was devastated,” Fentuo shared.

He argued that when players choose Ghana over other eligible nations, failure to integrate them—especially during difficult matches where tactical changes are needed—sends a discouraging message to both diaspora and local talent.

The Caleb Yirenkyi Paradox

The discussion also shifted to Caleb Yirenkyi, with Fentuo questioning why the technical team has struggled to utilise the midfielder effectively. He pointed to confusion among Yirenkyi’s peers, referencing a conversation with a former teammate who described him as one of the best midfielders he has played with.

Fentuo’s main contention is that Yirenkyi’s strengths are being neutralised by the system or by being played out of position, preventing the Black Stars from benefiting from his natural technical ability.

A Call for Tactical Evolution

Fentuo concluded that the current “Plan A or nothing” approach under Otto Addo is unsustainable. He emphasised that the talent exists within the squad—citing players like Augustine Boakye and Forson Amankwah—but argued that the coaching staff has failed to build the necessary confidence for them to thrive.

Reliance on Stars: Fentuo criticised the team’s over-reliance on Mohammed Kudus, arguing that the coach should have developed alternatives over his two-year tenure.

Player Morale: The journalist warned that the current management style risks “destroying” the passion of young players who are eager to contribute but feel overlooked.

As the Black Stars look ahead to future qualifiers, Fentuo’s comments have intensified pressure on the technical team to demonstrate that it can effectively manage the full depth of Ghanaian talent.

To watch the full discussion, click here.