World Cup-bound defender Rashid Sumaila has praised the quality of the Ghana Premier League after a strong second half display by a local select side in a friendly against the Black stars.

Friday’s exhibition match meant to bid farewell to the Black Stars before departing to Holland to prepare for next month’s tournament.

The local select XI conceded five goals in the first half but put up an improved display in the second stanza and grabbed a consolation goal in the 6-1 defeat.

Sumaila, a former Asante Kotoko defender, played in the second half for the Black Stars says the improved is a testimony of the strength of the Ghana top-flight.

“It’s a competitive league one which I am proud to have played in,” the Mamelodi Sundowns player told GHANASoccernet.com.

"Most at times we do not value the things we have but I can tell you that the league in this country is not as bad as people paint it to be.

“The performance of the dream team in the second half was another example of the talent available in this country and given the opportunity more could be world class players.”

The 21-year-old will now be looking to make Kwesi Appiah’s team for a major tournament for the first time after being dropped for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals.