“We’ll build a new Black Stars based on homegrown players” – Mahama

In the event that he is elected in the forthcoming 2024 elections, former president John Dramani Mahama has stated his intention to revitalize Ghanaian football by assembling a redesigned Black Stars squad that is led by local players.

Following Ghana’s lackluster performance at the African Cup of Nations, where the team was eliminated from the competition at the group stage for the second time in a row, this announcement was made.

Mahama blamed the lack of colts football, a vital developmental phase for young players, for the Black Stars’ recent difficulties. He recalled the days when academicals were held in schools and districts formed Colts leagues, giving an opportunity to spot gifted athletes.

In addition to highlighting the failure of these community-based programs, the former president presented his intentions to work with the Ghana Football Association to rekindle youth football development.

During the NDC’s “Building Ghana Tour,” Mahama addressed the community’s request for an artificial turf and emphasized the significance of grassroots infrastructure for the growth of football while speaking at a community engagement event in Bongo.

“We will build a new Black Stars based on homegrown players, domestic players who have trained together for a long term and work as a team, and then we bring the foreign ones to come and blend with them.”

He highlighted how important it is to have a core group of domestic players who have played together frequently, arguing that this strategy would result in a national team that is more competitive and cohesive.

Along with highlighting the importance of revamping the entire football environment, the NDC flagbearer collaborated with the Ghana Football Association.

He encouraged district football associations to host football galas in order to find and develop young talent by pledging resources to them. Mahama also pledged scholarships for players who showed promise, helping them to advance through secondary school and eventually onto national teams.

Head coach, Chris Hughton was fired after Ghana’s exit was confirmed, while the Black Stars’ technical team was also dissolved.

The search for a new head coach is being spearheaded by a five-member committee led by Vice President, Mark Addo.

The GFA also announced that after a meeting of the Executive Council of the Association and Chairmen of the RFAs it was conducting a thorough review of various aspects of the national team, including strategies, training, compensation and overall structure.

The Association added that it was committing to “restoring the pride and success we all desire for the Black Stars.”

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com