Ex-Ghana defender Sammy Kuffuor insists the Black Stars require a defensive leader to excel at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Current coach Kwesi Appiah shuffled a number of defenders during the qualifying campaign where the Ghanaians qualified in style after beating Egypt 7-2 on aggregate.

The defensive frailties have been a major headache for local fans as Isaac Vorsah is yet to gain match fitness despite recovering after a six-month injury lay-off.

South African-based Rashid Sumaila and Jerry Akaminko stepped into the plate in the absence of Vorsah, Boye and Jonathan Mensah during the crucial play-offs against Egypt especially, and excelled.

However, doubts hang over the ability of the five recognized centre-backs to step up to the plate in the absence of John Mensah.

And the ex-Bayern Munich star insists the country needs a leader at the back to shine at the global piece.

“Our defense has no leadership and no personality. John Mensah is gone so somebody needs to step up,” Kuffuor is quoted by Allsports.com.gh

“Every great defense needs somebody with a strong personality to command and organize and at the moment we have nobody doing that.”