If Ghanaians could turn back time, they would have Abedi Pele, Anthony Yeboah, Anthony Baffoe, Razak Ibrahim, Mohammed Polo and CK Akonnor, Nii Odartey Lamaptey in the line-up for the World Cup.
These players never got the opportunity to play on the biggest football stage, although they were great.
Due to various reasons — ranging from lack of commitment, poor organisation, discipline and training facilities, a limited number of slots for Africa — Ghana failed to qualify for the World Cup in the past.
”Until now, there has been a lot of disappointment, despite talented players like Anthony Yeboah and Abedi Pele,” said the current team’s Serbian coach Ratomir Dukjkovic in an interview with the German weekly Sport Bild.
Now the African nation has finally made it to the June 9-July 9 finals in Germany — and there is no reason for the class of 2006 to hide behind the nation’s previous famous footballers.
Captain Stephen Appiah, whose dedication is unquestionable, Michael Essien, Sammy Kuffour, Sulley Muntari, Sammy Adjei and Matthew Amoah are big name players.
Ghana is a successful footballing nation on the continent. The merits include four African Nations Cup trophies, two under-17 World titles and an Olympic bronze medal.
On club level, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko have flown the Ghanaian flag with successes on the continent.
These days, many talents are in Europe where the footballing conditions are better in every aspect of the game ranging from training facilities and atmosphere.
But conditions in the country are now set to become better as well.
World Cup qualification has brought a lot of attention. Plenty of infrastructure improvement will come as well because Ghana will host the 2008 African Nations Cup.
Three new stadiums will be be built the arenas in Accra and Kumasi will undergo renovation, lifting the playing fields up to international standards.
Local league clubs are paying players better and the running of these clubs is becoming more professional. There are two football academies and more are expected to follow in order to find young talent.
Talent hunting is becoming a major occupation in every aspect, and dozens of Ghanaians are tested by European clubs.
Contracts for players are handled well by the Ghana Football Association, which in the case of transfers also ensures that the players and local clubs benefit from the income.
As football develops, enough talent is now expected to emerge to make Ghana a regular team at the World Cup. – Sapa-DPA