Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has called for the need to develop measures to make football academies the platform for unearthing talents after the collapse of the colts system.

“Football Academies have now taken over from the colts system when it comes to talent identification and grooming, so its time authorities take a look at how to make it more effective,” he told the GNA Sports in an interview.’

“Those days, the colts system was very effective and many talents were unearthed and developed from that stage.

“I was a product of the colts system when Hearts of Oak spotted me whilst playing for Cowlaine Babies, but today colts teams have died out because of funding.

“What we are witnessing now is a massive take over by the Football Academies. They are now doing what the colts teams were doing in those days, so I think we must find ways of helping the various academies in the country to acquire equipment to enhance their talent hunting and development strategies,” he stated.

According to Appiah, the combination of academic activities with football provides young footballers the opportunity to have education as well, and believes it is the best way out for Ghana.

He commended the management of Right to Dream (RtD) Football Academy for their efforts towards the development of football in the country as well as Mantrac Ghana for supporting them with the development of training pitches at the academy.

Appiah said the Academy has done so well with the discovery of Abdul Madjid Warris, David Accam, Mohamed Abu and others, hence the need for the involvement of more corporate support for football development in the country.

“The companies must not only target the Black Stars and other national teams, but must also channel some of the resources to grassroot football.

“They must support the football academies to acquire more equipment to enable them develop more talents for the nation.” Appiah stated.