Amid mounting calls for Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo to join the Black Stars squad, former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has advocated for patience and a strategic approach in considering the youngster's inclusion.
The buzz surrounding Mainoo intensified following his stellar performances in the English Premier League, notably his game-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Thursday.
While acknowledging the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) interest in Mainoo, Kingston, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets, emphasized the importance of a systematic approach.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Kingston emphasized the need for engaging with Mainoo and creating a welcoming environment before rushing into a national team call-up.
“Here is a case where we have a young boy coming up and he is doing well with Manchester United and all of a sudden Ghanaians say we should bring him. Have we thought about integration, how many times has he even come to Ghana?” he said.
Highlighting his own experience in integrating overseas-born talents like Junior Agogo and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie into the national team, Kingston stressed the importance of making Mainoo feel at home.
He urged for personal visits to Manchester United to connect with Mainoo and ensure his comfort before considering him for the national team.
Kingston emphasized the necessity of evaluating Mainoo's playing style and its alignment with the Black Stars' strategy and philosophy.
Additionally, he urged caution in assessing Mainoo's connection to Ghana and the potential challenges of integrating a player who may not have strong ties to the country despite his heritage.
“We need to talk to him, visit him at Manchester United and let him feel that he is welcome then slowly you lure him into the environment. Agogo and Quincy and all those people, some of us were part of their integration. We helped them to fit in and feel comfortable,” he recalled.
