The Black Stars problem is spiritual, not Otto Addo, the team is dead, even if you bring Guardiola there will be no results” – Abdul Salam
Abdul Salam, the owner of New Edubiase FC, has boldly claimed that the problems facing the Black Stars are not tactical, managerial, or even technical, but spiritual. According to Salam, the current state of the Black Stars is beyond the influence of coaching expertise, and no amount of managerial skill, including bringing world-class coaches like Pep Guardiola, would solve the crisis.
While some may dismiss his views as superstitious or outlandish, for many, they resonate with the belief that there are unseen forces that can affect the outcome of events, including sports matches. In this context, Salam’s statement that the Black Stars are “dead” and that even the likes of Guardiola could not fix the problem, highlights his frustration with what he perceives as a deeper malaise affecting the team—one that cannot be solved by conventional methods.
Since their glory days, the Black Stars have been a proud footballing nation, with the team regularly competing at the highest levels of African and world football. However, their recent performances have left fans disillusioned, with Ghana failing to qualify 2025 AFCON, the drop in performance coincided with the departure of some of the country’s top footballing talents, as well as managerial changes, with various coaches unable to unlock the team’s full potential.
Abdul Salam seems to believe that the issue lies far beyond Otto Addo’s coaching. According to him, the Black Stars’ struggles are so deep-rooted that even the most accomplished coaches, such as Guardiola, would not be able to rectify the situation.
When Abdul Salam refers to the Black Stars as “dead,” he is likely describing the lack of spirit, unity, and drive within the team. In football, much like in any sport, a team’s success often relies on the collective energy, passion, and determination of its players and staff. When these elements are missing, a team can appear lifeless, regardless of how technically gifted the individuals may be. The “death” that Salam refers to could be a metaphorical expression of a team that is struggling to find its identity, coherence, and motivation.
The Black Stars, for all their history and pedigree, seem to lack the collective willpower to succeed. There is no doubt that Ghana possesses talent, with a mix of homegrown and overseas-based players capable of competing at the highest level. However, as Salam suggests, these individual talents have not been able to come together in a way that produces consistent results. Whether this is due to a lack of motivation, internal conflict, or a deeper spiritual issue is open to debate, but the absence of a winning mentality is clear.
While it might be difficult for some to understand, there have been instances in football history where players and teams have sought spiritual guidance in times of crisis. Some clubs have turned to religious leaders, spiritualists, or traditional healers to help them break bad streaks or improve their performance. It is not uncommon in African football for teams to undergo spiritual rituals, prayers, or other culturally significant practices before important matches. Whether these actions have any tangible effect on the outcome of the game is a matter of personal belief, but they reflect the significant role that spirituality plays in many parts of African football culture.
In the case of the Black Stars, Salam’s comment suggests that a spiritual reawakening might be necessary for the team to regain its former glory. This would go beyond the usual tactical approaches, focusing on renewing the team’s mentality and unity through spiritual or cultural practices that reconnect the players to a sense of purpose and collective identity.
While Salam’s views are certainly unconventional, they shed light on the complexity of the Black Stars’ current situation. The team’s struggles cannot be understood through coaching appointments and tactical changes alone. For the Black Stars to rise again, they may need a deep, holistic approach that addresses both the technical and spiritual aspects of the game.
Ultimately, whether or not spiritual intervention can rejuvenate the Black Stars remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the team’s challenges are multi-dimensional, and a combination of factors—both on and off the pitch—must be addressed if Ghana is to return to its former footballing glory.
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