Stop giving local players 2 & 3 minutes at Black Stars – Joe Louis calls for fairer playing time for local players in Black Stars
Joe Louis, a former player for two of Ghana’s most storied football clubs, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, has raised a critical concern regarding the treatment of local players in the national football team, the Black Stars. The veteran player, known for his passion and insights into the Ghanaian football scene, expressed his frustration with the limited playing time given to local players who are called up to represent the national team.
Joe Louis speaking with Kessben TV said “It’s not enough time,” Louis said, visibly frustrated. “You can’t judge a player based on just two or three minutes on the pitch. Local players are already under a lot of pressure to perform at the highest level, and when they are given such limited opportunities, it’s impossible for them to demonstrate their potential.”
This issue, according to Louis, has become a pattern for local players, especially those who are relatively new to the Black Stars setup. Many of these players, who come from the Ghana Premier League, face the challenge of making an impact in a short amount of time, which ultimately undermines their chances of securing a regular place in the squad.
Over the years, the Black Stars have been predominantly represented by players based in top leagues across Europe, with local players often seen as the “backups” or “alternatives.” While this is not inherently negative, it has led to concerns that the development of Ghanaian football may be compromised if local players are not given a real chance to contribute to the national team.
“I’ve seen a lot of great players in the local league, but when they get their chance to play for the Black Stars, they’re not given enough time to make a difference,” Louis continued. “It’s frustrating to watch because these players have the skill and determination, but they need more than just a couple of minutes to prove themselves.” He added,
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