Bechem United head coach, Kwaku Danso, has raised concerns about the readiness and fitness of local players for the Black Stars, emphasizing that they must prove themselves before being considered for a spot in the national team.
In an interview on Akoma 87.9 FM, Danso shared his frustration with the inclusion of local players in the Black Stars, particularly when they are not given sufficient playing time. He stressed that selection should be based on merit and players’ abilities, not merely for representation.
“People often advocate for local players to be called up to the Black Stars, but my main concern is that they are brought into the team and not given any playing time,” Danso stated. “They should be selected based on merit, with the opportunity to compete for playing time.”
While Danso acknowledged that all Ghanaian players are eligible for national team selection, he noted that many local players have yet to meet the required standards. He drew comparisons with players in leagues like Jordan and Cyprus, who are also overlooked for similar reasons. According to Danso, local players must improve their performances to earn future call-ups.
“As long as they are Ghanaians, they are eligible, but like many players in leagues in Jordan, Cyprus, and elsewhere, they are not called up because they do not meet the required standard,” he added.
“I haven’t played against every team in the league yet, but from the few games we’ve played in the last nine matches, these local players are not yet at that level. They need to improve if they want to be considered for the Black Stars.”
Danso’s remarks highlight the gap between domestic football and the international standards required to represent the Black Stars. He urged local players to focus on their development in order to make the leap to the national team.
With Ghana’s qualification hopes in jeopardy, sitting third in Group F with just two points from four matches, coach Otto Addo is set to announce the squad later this week. The Black Stars trail both Angola and Sudan in their qualification campaign.
