Opinions of Monday, 5 September 2016

Columnist: sportscrusader.com

Swallow your pride – GFA & MoYS warned

Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye and GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye and GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi

Kojo Addae-Mensah, Group Chief Executive Officer of Databank insists the recent poor Black Stars spectatorship is due to the egoistic battle between the Ghana Football Association and the Nii Lantey Vanderpuye-led Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Ghanaians appear to still have not forgiven the Black Stars for playing for money instead of pride to represent the nation.

Speaking in an interview with Happy FM on Anapabosuo Sports show, Addae, who doubles as a Sports analyst said until the two elephants cease fighting, it’s the grass that will suffer.

He said; “Yes this love lost (between the Black Stars and the fans) started from the abysmal and shameful World Cup appearance in Brazil. There are lots of things we can do to get the fans back supporting the Black Stars.

“The Minister (Nii Lantey Vanderpuye) and the GFA have also dented the image of the Black Stars, hence rendered it unattractive as the members of the GFA who held the Black Stars brand up high have also lost hope of not giving up.

“Either side have a point in the ongoing rift and exchange between the two institutions but they need to swallow the ego and find an amicable solution to re-brand the team.

Ghana drew one-all with Rwanda last Saturday in the last Africa Cup Of Nations 2017 qualifier and, the Accra Sports Stadium witnessed one of the poorest fan attendance at a Black Stars match since the early 2000s.