Although born in Germany, Anthony Baffoe was always destined to lend his classy defensive skills to Ghana, his country of origin.
Now retired, the former Cologne star is back in the employ of his beloved national side in the role of international relations officer, a job from which he took time out to chat exclusively with FIFAworldcup.com about his most cherished memories and hopes for the Black Stars in Germany.
FIFAworldcup.com: So Anthony, what have you been doing since you hung up your boots?
Anthony Baffoe: First of all, I worked as a model, then I did some media work, presenting television programmes in Germany. But at the moment, I?m having a break from both those areas and have been working as the international relations officer for the Ghanaian national team for the last two months.
Looking back at your career, which moments are freshest in your mind?
One of the highlights was definitely my first cap for Ghana. It was 13 January 1991 at Kumasi, and we won 4-0. Two minutes from the end, the coach took me off so the crowd could give me a standing ovation. I got hold of a national flag and did a lap of honour. Ever since, a shiver runs down my spine whenever I hear my country?s national anthem. My first Africa Cup of Nations (Senegal 1992) is another very special memory, despite the fact that we lost in the final to C?te d?Ivoire and I missed a penalty!
Ghana?s current side has qualified for the FIFA World Cup?, something your ?golden generation? never managed to do.
Before we reached the final in Senegal, Ghana had missed out on every CAN for the previous ten years. Unfortunately, the pressure simply got to us and we fell apart after the semi-final with Nigeria, which explains why we lost the final and then made a mess of our subsequent World Cup qualifying campaign.
What?s been different about the Black Stars' successful campaign this time around?
Undoubtedly the team?s sense of togetherness and cohesion. This generation is on the right track and has a host of talented players like (Stephen) Appiah, (Sulley) Muntari, (Michael) Essien and (John) Mensah. Whenever I meet them, I remind them to stay united, to forge increasingly closer bonds. That?s the only way to get to the top.
Ghana have been drawn in Group E with FIFA World Cup regulars Italy, the Czech Republic and the United States. How would you assess your country?s chances?
You might find it surprising, but I?m not afraid of anyone. There?s no denying it?s a difficult group, but I wouldn?t expect anything else at a World Cup. We certainly won?t be just making up the numbers, as we?re determined to show African football in the best possible light. Cameroon were the pioneers who blazed the trail for the likes of Nigeria and Senegal. I see no reason why Ghana can?t follow in their footsteps.
How far do you think Ghana can go?
Getting past the group stage would be a major success in itself. I especially hope we won?t be on the receiving end of any thrashings. I would love us to be able to show that football in Africa is developing and that its players are genuine competitors.
Can the Black Stars expect a lot of support?
There are quite a lot of Ghanaians living pretty much all over Germany, and others will be coming from ever corner of Europe. I?m also sure that our style of play will win over plenty of neutrals.
How do you rate the chances of the other four African nations involved?
Togo and Angola might not have the footballing pedigree of the likes of C?te d?Ivoire, Tunisia and Ghana, but the important thing is to leave a good impression of African football. That?s why I would like all Africans to get behind their representatives, whichever of the five teams from our continent is playing.
What do you think of the measures taken by FIFA to combat racism?
It?s quite right that FIFA has decided to toughen up its anti-racism regulations. When guys like Marc Zoro or Samuel Eto?o are on the verge of walking off the pitch, clearly something has to be done. They?ve sent a strong signal to the world and I hope it will be a catalyst for change.
What do you make of the 23-man squad announced by the Ghana coach, Ratomir Dujkovic?
It?s not really my place to comment. If you asked five different people to draw up such a list, none of them would be identical. Perhaps I would have included a few different names, but we?ll judge his side after the first match.
Why haven?t you pursued a career in coaching?
Because it just isn?t the career for me. While I?d love to give youngsters a few tips once or twice a week, full-time coaching does not appeal to me at all. It?s the obvious thing to do when your playing career ends, but I haven?t chosen that path.
