Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, has told former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, that his leadership skills were dearly missed during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
According to him, the level of indiscipline and the poor performance exhibited by the Black Stars in Brazil was ample proof there was no unity and discipline among the playing body.
The ex-skipper of the Black Stars had paid a courtesy call on the Speaker on Friday to officially invite him to attend his testimonial match.
Hon. Doe Adjaho said a quick comparison of the performances of the senior national football team at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups to that of Brazil 2014, points to a team that was missing its former captain
“Your absence in Brazil speaks for itself in terms of unity and discipline. That was why this House was not happy with the level of indiscipline that was exhibited and the embarrassment and international disgrace that was brought upon this country,” Hon. Adjaho said.
Doe Adjaho added: “In 2006, we saw the mood of this country when as captain of the Black Stars you qualified us to Germany 2006. In Johannesburg in 2010, we saw the discipline, the unity of purpose, commitment and dedication. I will pray that you try hard to help the younger generation to achieve that purpose.”
“Whatever skill that you have in you that enabled you achieve that purpose, that unity in camp, try to put that at the disposal of the current Black Stars,”
Stephen Appiah’s testimonial match scheduled for June 27 is expected to be graced by top football icons past and present including Roberto Baggio, Pavel Nedved, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Samuel Eto, Aaron Mokoena, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, George Weah and Sulley Muntari.