Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association, has stated that players in the Ghana Premier League are not yet ready to play for the Black Stars.
The current coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton, recently announced a 25-man squad for the team’s upcoming doubleheader against Angola, which did not include any local players.
Nana Oduro Sarfo defended the current squad selection, saying that players abroad dominate the team because they play at a higher level than the home-based players. He also emphasized that the Black Stars call-ups are based on a player’s performance over a period of time.
“Most of the players out there [in the squad], some came from the U-23. I have nothing against the selection of players, all I want is Ghana to win the game [against Angola],” he told Joy Sports.
“Black Stars call-ups are based on your performance for a period. If we have so many players in Europe and their performances are good juxtaposed against the local players here, they are a shade ahead of them, what do you want us to do?” he quizzed.
When asked if there is a quota for local players to be named in the squad, Nana Oduro Sarfo explained that there isn’t, and that until a policy is in place, the coach has the freedom to select the players he believes can deliver results.
“There is no quota. Until we decide that there should be a quota — maybe 30% should be local players, so be it.”
The Black Stars will face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 24 before travelling for the return leg four days later.
