Soccer News of Thursday, 21 February 2013

Source: supersport.com

Calls for Muntari, KPB return grow

Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng have warmed their way into the hearts of Ghanaian fans following their goals against Barcelona.

The duo stole the show, with Muntari saying it was “the most important goal of my career” after a 2-0 victory over Barcelona.

A monitoring of radio and television stations on Thursday morning saw a passionate appeal for the return of the two, especially of Kevin-Prince.

The Milan number 10 split public opinion two years ago when he resigned from the national team, citing health reasons.

In recent weeks, he has been showing his support of the Stars with complimentary posts on his verified Twitter account, @KPBoateng. "Ghana needs its best material to get into the qualifiers and get to the World Cup with their best players. They should forgive Kevin's transgressions and move on," said Mavis Asare Boama on her Facebook page, speaking the mind of those in favour of the Prince's comeback.

But there is still a caucus of opinion who insist he has disrespected the team with his repeated snubbery.

"The boy is good. No doubt, but we cannot set a precedent for others disrespecting our national flag like that. We should let only committed players who want to be here to feature. That's all," said Kwaku Koranteng in reply, in an opinion that crystallizes the anti-KPB movement.

The calls for the return of the duo, plus other senior players of the team, have been overwhelming in the wake of Ghana's largely spineless show in South Africa. Big names have also added weight to the call since the team went out at the semi-final stage. “They have graced many pitches and they can add a lot to the game. Nigeria was a perfect example. From the kit man to the head coach, Stephen Keshi, everybody was a former player,” said former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe, going further to ask for more ears for ex-players.

Veteran sport pundit, Moses Foh Amoaning went further to call on the President of the Ghana FA to beg the Prince to return. The Ghana Football Association must beg KP Boateng to play for Ghana again. Just look at his brilliant performance he exhibited during the AC Milan champions league match against the best club in the world, Barcelona,” he said on Happy FM Thursday morning.

Ghana play Sudan in a double header in the coming weeks as the qualifiers for the World Cup continue.