Former Ghana international Joetex Frimpong has described his omission from the Black Stars squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as the most painful moment of his career.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former BSC Young Boys striker said missing out on Ghana’s historic debut at the World Cup in Germany remains his biggest footballing regret.
“My biggest regret with the Black Stars was my omission from the 2006 World Cup squad. It was difficult for me to take, then,” Frimpong said.
Frimpong also recalled his early days with the national team under then-head coach Ratomir Dujković. He made his debut in a 2005 friendly against Burkina Faso, coming off the bench to win a penalty and provide an assist in a 2-1 comeback victory.
“It was a scary moment when Dujković told us (new players) that, if we failed to make an impact, we wouldn’t be called up again,” he said.
Despite making a strong first impression, Frimpong was left out of the final 23-man squad for the World Cup, a decision he says continues to sting nearly two decades later.
Reflecting on the current state of the national team, Frimpong also pointed to what he sees as a shift in player mentality.
“The difference between our time and the current crop of players was our commitment and the zeal to die for Ghana. The players of today are fond of their clubs more than Ghana,” he said.
Frimpong, who is now retired, is the founder and chairman of Frimpong Football Academy (since 2010), which is based in Minna, Niger State in Nigeria.
By: Pascal Amoah
