Black Stars: We must build a team (Black Stars) that strikes fear into opponents – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye
Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, former Ghana Minister of Youth and Sports, has called for the urgent need to build a Black Stars team that commands respect and strikes fear into its opponents.
Nii Lantey Vanderpuye’s assertion that Ghana must build a team that strikes fear into opponents is not just about the technical aspects of football; it’s a call to instill a mentality of resilience, dominance, and confidence in the Black Stars. According to Vanderpuye, the team must go beyond just skill and talent—it should be mentally tough and possess the psychological edge that makes opponents dread facing them.
Nii Lantey Vanderpuye’s remarks come at a time when Ghana is trying to rebuild and reshape the Black Stars following a series of underwhelming performances in recent years. Under the guidance of past coaches, Ghana has experienced highs, including reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on multiple occasions and achieving a historic quarterfinal finish at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, the team has struggled to maintain that level of dominance, especially with the emergence of strong competitors like Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt on the continent.
Vanderpuye, who served as the sports minister during the tenure of former President John Mahama, reminded the nation of the past success of the Black Stars—when the team was able to strike fear into opponents with their sheer presence on the pitch. He pointed to Ghana’s remarkable performances in international tournaments, where the Black Stars were considered one of the most dangerous teams, feared by both African and international opponents.
Beyond technical skills and tactics, Vanderpuye emphasized the need for a change in mentality. According to him, a successful team needs players who are not only skilled but also possess mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to rise above adversity. A team with a winning mentality, he argued, is one that believes in itself and is ready to fight tooth and nail to win.
The former sports minister also highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to team-building. While skillful players are crucial, the Black Stars need to have leaders who can motivate the team in tough moments, ensure discipline both on and off the pitch, and foster a sense of unity that drives them toward collective success.
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