In a passionate appeal, former Black Stars coach, Charles Kwabena Akonnor has urged current coach Otto Addo to give locally-based players a chance to prove themselves in the national team.
With Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar looming, Akonnor believes that local players can make a significant impact if given the opportunity.
“They have been invited, and at training, if they show a good sign that they want to play, they have to convince the technical team that they are not just bench players but are here to start,” Akonnor said in an interview.
“If they give the coach that signal, he wouldn’t hesitate to use them because his goal is to play and win matches with the best players available.”
CK Akonnor’s comments come after Otto Addo included three locally-based players – Razak Simpson of Nations FC, Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak, and Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC – in his squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
While their selection is a positive step, Akonnor emphasizes that they must prove themselves in training and fight for a spot in the starting lineup.
The former Ghana captain, who had a stint as the head coach of the Black Stars, believes that local players have a lot to offer and can bring a unique perspective to the team.
“They have been playing in the Ghana Premier League, and they know the terrain, they know the weather, and they know the opponents,” Akonnor said.
“So, if they are given the chance, they can make a big impact.”
-BY Issah Olegor
