Bechem United head coach, Kwaku Danso, has raised concerns about the readiness and fitness of local players for the Black Stars, stressing that they must prove themselves worthy before earning a place in the national team.
In a candid interview on Akoma 87.9 FM, Danso expressed frustration with the practice of including local players in the Black Stars squad without giving them sufficient playing time. He emphasized that selections should be based on a player’s performance and ability, rather than merely for representation.
"There's often advocacy for local players to be included in the Black Stars, but my main concern is that they are called up and then not given the chance to play," Danso said. "Local players should be selected on merit, with the opportunity to earn their place through competition for playing time."
While acknowledging that all Ghanaian players are eligible for the national team, Danso pointed out that many local players still fall short of the standards required to compete at the international level. He likened them to players in leagues in countries like Jordan and Cyprus, who are often overlooked for similar reasons.
"As long as they are Ghanaians, they are eligible to play, but much like players in Jordan, Cyprus, and other leagues, they are not selected because they don't meet the required standard," Danso remarked.
"I haven't played against every team in the league yet, but from the nine games we've played so far, these local players are not yet at the level needed. They must improve if they want to be considered for the Black Stars."
Danso’s comments highlight the disparity between domestic football and the high standards required to represent the Black Stars, urging players to focus on their development to make the leap to international competition.
With Ghana's qualification campaign hanging in the balance, national team coach Otto Addo is set to announce his squad later this week. The Black Stars currently sit in third place in Group F with just two points from four matches, trailing both Angola and Sudan.
