Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew, has added his voice to the calls for the government to address the poor maintenance culture that permeates the sports sector of the country.

Andre Ayew, who was part of a team of Ghanaian football stars who played at the Aliu Mahama Stadium on Saturday, June 22, 2024, during the All Star Festival, was not happy with the poor condition of the pitch on which they played.

Speaking to the press after the match, Andre Ayew expressed his happiness about returning to Tamale, where his father hails from.

The Black Stars captain also spoke about the pride of hailing from that part of the country and noted that the northern part of the country is blessed with many talents.

He added that these talents have yet to be exploited due to the unavailability of adequate infrastructure, adding that he wants the pitch at the Aliu Mahama Stadium fixed promptly to enable the club that plays their home matches there to enjoy good football.

"We have a wonderful stadium here, and I hope and pray that we will be able to work on the pitch to make it better for our teams that play their matches here. The stadium is a great one," he said.

Dede Ayew also offered some nuggets of wisdom to Ghanaian footballers on how to grow their talents and reach the top of the football ladder.

Dede Ayew observed that every footballer in the country possesses a certain level of appreciable talent; however, what separates those who succeed from those who do not is hunger and determination.

"Everyone has what it takes to step into our shoes. Being a professional footballer means you have certain qualities to succeed, but what is important is the hard work, hunger, and dedication you show to develop those qualities. In football, you also need a bit of luck to succeed. The game was a bit difficult due to the pitch, but we wanted to come here because the last time we played here for the national team, we enjoyed massive support," he said.

Andre Ayew's comments follow a recent appeal by Assistant Black Stars Captain, Thomas Partey, for the government to provide the country with at least one world-class stadium.

During a visit by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of Ghana's game against the Central African Republic on June 10, Thomas Partey explained that the players would love to treat Ghanaians to rich football; however, they will need a good pitch to deliver the football they intend to serve.

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