Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician Sonnie Badu has voiced his support for keeping the Ayew brothers, particularly Dede Ayew, in the Black Stars lineup.
In an interview with Accra-based Asempa FM, Badu, while responding to calls for their exclusion, pointed out the importance of experienced players in mentoring younger team members.
Badu argued that while Ayew might not play the full 90 minutes, his presence for even 30 minutes could provide invaluable guidance and mental strength to the team.
“Let's put a lot of ex-players in the team. Because they are the ones who will teach the fresh players.
“That’s why we can't get rid of Dede Ayew now because Dede has experience from the junior level to the top. Andre Ayew might not be able to play the whole 90 minutes, but he can play for 30 minutes and give valuable tips and tricks to the players,” he said.
He stressed that football is not just about skills but also about mentality, and experienced players like Ayew are crucial for the development of younger talents.
“Football is not just about skills; it's about mentality. So Dede has to be in the team, and we need to let him play with the young boys and help them grow.
“The Ayew name is a legend when it comes to football in Ghana. If you simply remove the Ayew name from the lineup, psychologically, you have gotten rid of him without honouring him,” he said.
Badu's comments come amid a debate on whether the Ayew brothers should continue to be part of the national team, with some suggesting that Dede and Andre Ayew’s experience is vital for the team's growth and success.
See the video below:
Dede Ayew needs to be in the Black Stars , we can't get rid of him now - @SonnieBaduuk @GhanaBlackstars pic.twitter.com/j9QfZntSfM
— Asempa 94.7FM (@Asempa947_FM) November 16, 2024
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