Zumdick Defends Taylor Ommission

National coach Ralf Zumdcik has been explaining his decision to leave out Asante Kotoko player Charles Taylor out of Sunday's squad for the Olympic qualifier against South Africa.

Taylor was the major absentee from the side announced by Zumdick earlier this week after the former Hearts player failed to impress at the just ended All-Africa Games.

Ghana would be without in-form Germany based Isaac Boakye and Israel base John Paintsil so Taylor’s omission has prompted a barrage of criticism but the German says all that is unnecessary and detracts from the country's attempt to qualify for the 2004 Olympics.

"Don't let us make another Taylor saga out of this because we all have a duty to protect and encourage him on the way up again and we must do t right", Zumdick said.

In pure football terms too, Zumdick says Taylor would not be up to the task on Sunday due to all the pressure he has had to deal with since leaving Hearts of Oak.

"I think he is not in a condition to play football as he used to do. We have to be very careful with him while he tries to bring himself up again to top level. He needs a lot of matches. We've all been witnesses to his transfer controversy. It wasn't helpful for his fitness and conditioning and that showed in Nigeria. He proved there that he is good but it was clear he wasn't the Taylor we knew from last season.

"We have to accept this fact and help him out of the situation. He is not part of the team on Sunday because we have a duty to perform. We all want a team that plays well."