“This Social Media generation of footballers doesn’t care about anything, that’s why the Ghana League has dropped” – Eric Gawu Gatete
Former Ghanaian international striker Eric Gawu, also known as Eric Gawu Gatete, has stated a blunt assessment of the current state of Ghanaian football, blaming the decline in the Ghana Premier League’s standards on what he describes as the carelessness and misplaced priorities of the modern-day footballer.
In a candid interview, the ex-Hearts of Oak and King Faisal striker lamented the attitude of the new generation of players, suggesting that many are more focused on social media popularity than the actual craft of football. According to Gawu, the passion, seriousness, and hunger that once defined the local game have significantly eroded.
“This social media generation of players doesn’t really care,” Gawu said. “During our time, if you missed a big chance in a game, you couldn’t sleep. You would be so disturbed that you carry the pain for days. But now, a player misses a sitter and will be walking unconcerned,” Gawu said on Kessben FM.
For Gawu, this decline is not just about infrastructure or lack of investment—it’s rooted in the mindset of the players.
Reflecting on his own playing days, Gawu noted that players in his generation were held accountable by fans, coaches, and even their own teammates. The emotional toll of a missed chance or poor game was immense because the stakes were high and the expectations clear.
He believes that the digital age, while helpful in promoting talent, has also distracted players from their core responsibilities.
Despite his criticism, Gawu didn’t entirely write off the current generation. Instead, he called for stronger leadership, mentorship, and discipline from coaches, ex-players, and club management to guide young talents in the right direction.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
