“Money is the problem of Ghana Football” - Hammond

Black Stars and Accra Hearts of Oak former player Robert Hammond aka “Micky Runny” believes the problem of Ghana Football is financial and it is time the authorities sit down to examine the problem very well and find solution.

Speaking to yours truly in an exclusive interview at the AsereMantse’s Palace at Kaneshie in Accra, he noted that Ghana is blessed with many talents, but the football managers often discourage players.

He recalled how he was discouraged by Col. Simpe Asante who was in charge of Sports at the Acheampong era because he thought a female sports personality was in love with him.

According to Expensive Hammond who was invited to the Black Stars in 1973 with Mohammed Polo when they were very young in their teens, they were made to under study stars like Malik Jabir, Osei Kofi and others, before it reached their turn.

“It is very good to invite young players into the national team, but it is nor good to rush them into the team, they have to gain experience and they must show respect to authorities and senior colleagues” he said.

Hammond who was transferred from Accra Great Olympics to Accra Hearts of Oak at 5.00 Cedis and became the most expensive player in Ghana in the early 70s said it is true that football is big business now, but thing must be done right for good profits to be made for the whole nation to benefit.

He expressed that the current generation are not playing good football and not attractive to the fans because they lack the patriotic and nationalistic enthusiasm to play their hearts out even when there is no money.

Robert Hammond was not happy with the behaviour of the Black Stars at Brazil 2014 and wondered why the players did not trust the officials. He also could not believe that the players did not trust the Sports Minister and saw that as indiscipline.

He advised that players and officials must agree to their appearance fees or bonuses before they kick the ball at any competition, and the sports authorities must respect the players.

“In Ghana, footballers are not respected, despite all the joy and happiness they create for fans, I think it is about time that players are respected, and that will solve a problem” he stressed.

Hammond who is based in the USA in Maryland recalled some memories of his days when he scored a goal and the Daily Graphic wrote: The Day Kumasi Stood Still.

He hinted that football can make a nation and an individual great and very popular, so Ghanaians should not joke with the game, that everybody can talk anyhow and anything, especially those who call on the radio.

Robert Hammond advised Hearts fans to keep on supporting the club, and urged those in charge of the Hearts News and Hearts Website to publish latest and exciting news as he sometimes browse and sees nothing interesting at the Hearts site.