In football, the role of the captain is not just about wearing the captain’s armband. It is about leading the team on and off the field, setting example, and being a source of inspiration and motivation to his teammates. A captain should embody the values and spirit of the team, and their leadership can have a significant impact on the team’s success. The reason best players of a particular team is not necessarily the captain
Adedi Ayew Pele was one of the greatest captains in the history of Ghanaian football. He captained the Black Stars for six years and was known for his exceptional leadership skills and ability to bring the team together. During his time as captain, the Black Stars could not win any trophy but pundits until today say but for his exclusion from the team Ghana would have won the tournament in Senegal 92”
However, after Pele’s tenure, the captaincy became uncertain and lacked stability. Charles Akunnor briefly held the position but was unable to establish a long-standing leadership role within the team. The captaincy became a match-dependent decision, with different players taking on the responsibility at different times.
It wasn’t until Stephen Tornado Appiah emerged as captain in 2005/06 that the team found stability in leadership again. Appiah, a product of the Ghanaian youth system, had developed through the ranks and played for various national teams. He led the Black Stars with passion, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility. Appiah’s leadership was instrumental in Ghana’s historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Appiah’s absence due to injury during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations highlighted the significant impact a captain can have on a team. The Black Stars struggled without his leadership, and many believed that his presence could have made a significant difference in the team’s performance. This further emphasized the importance of a stable and influential captain.
After Appiah’s retirement, Asamoah Gyan took over the captaincy. Gyan, known for his goal-scoring prowess, became the team’s talisman and led by example on the field. However, controversies surrounding the introduction of a General Captain led to Gyan’s resignation from the team.
Dede Ayew, the son of former captain Adedi Ayew Pele, took over as team captain in 2019. Ayew’s experience as captain of the National Youth team and gold medalist made him an obvious choice for the position. He has been a consistent performer for the national team and has shown a strong commitment to the Black Stars.
However, like his predecessors, Ayew has faced criticism and calls for his exclusion from the team. This highlights the challenges that come with the captaincy role, all the previous captains in recent history have faced same situations leading to their untimely retirement they are either hounded out of the team buy internal pressure of the FA or they bow out due to criticism and backlash from Ghanaians. This mostly though undisclosed leaves some bitterness in the heart of this former skippers
To ensure consistent and stable leadership within the Black Stars, it is essential to honor and respect the contributions of former captains. Their guidance and blessings can play a vital role in inspiring and motivating future leaders. The Ghana Football Association and the government should take steps to honor these past captains and acknowledge their contributions to the national team’s success. Captains cannot retire from the team just like any other player
By honoring former captains, Ghana can establish a tradition of respecting and cherishing their leaders. This gesture would serve as a positive and peaceful transition of leadership, allowing the team to move forward united and focused on achieving their goals. Additionally, seeking the blessings of former captains could help alleviate any bitterness that may exist and create a stronger bond between past and present players.
As a football aficionado, I would like to suggest the following;
- Dede should remain as the Black Stars’ substantive captain until his voluntary retirement, or medically declared unfit to play. A respected captain is vital for team success especially in a tournament
- Dede’s determination, dedication, and readiness to sacrifice for the national team are important qualities to consider when deciding who wears the national colors.
- Dede Ayew needs to be in the squad for the upcoming AFCON because his presence will equal the records held by Ahmed Hassan of Egypt and Rigobert Song of Cameroun for the most appearances in AFCON history by Ghana.
In conclusion, finding a stable and respected captain is crucial for the success of the Black Stars. Captains should not be hounded out of the team like any other player will be treated. The team has seen periods of inconsistency and uncertainty in its leadership, but there have also been inspiring leaders who have brought the team together and achieved significant success. It is vital to honor and respect the contributions of these past captains and seek their blessings as the team moves forward. It is also the writer’s recommendation that before captains retire, a last commemorative match be held in their honor, starting with the current captain of the team.
With a united and focused approach, the Ghana Black Stars have the potential to end their 41-year Africa Cup of Nations drought and bring glory to the nation.
By Kofi Koka
