Black Stars forward Samuel Owusu has called for a shift in mindset regarding national team call-ups, insisting that the level of a player’s league should not determine their inclusion.
His comments follow growing concerns that some Ghanaian players are overlooked for selection because they ply their trade in so-called “lower leagues.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channel One Sports, which aired on Football Made in Ghana, Owusu argued that good performances should outweigh reputation or league status.
Football has changed a lot over the years. In this country, we see players in leagues like Saudi Arabia and Qatar getting national team call-ups and they perform. Look at Ronaldo; he’s over 40, playing in Saudi Arabia, yet still delivers for Portugal.
I think it’s time we, as Ghanaians and especially the media, understand that football is played everywhere. It’s not about the league or the club; it’s about the player. I always tell myself; football is you.
Owusu went on to emphasize that talent can come from any part of the world and that no league should be considered superior when it comes to national duty.
“You can call up someone from the Premier League, and they might offer little to the national team. But then you could select a player from the Ghana Premier League, the Ethiopian League, or the Saudi League and they’ll come in and deliver.
At the end of the day, it’s 11 versus 11. It’s the same ball. No league is better than another.
Look at PSG; they play in France, a league many call a ‘farmer’s league,’ yet they won the Champions League. It’s time we realize that football is played everywhere, and talent isn’t confined to so-called top leagues.
He concluded that selection should be based solely on performance and effort, regardless of where a player competes.
If someone is playing in another league and he’s performing and he’s gaining, we just have to give him the chance to come showcase his talent and let’s help each other in this country.
In essence, Samuel Owusu’s comments highlight a pressing need for a mindset shift in Ghanaian football. He argues that talent should be recognized regardless of where it is nurtured; whether in Europe’s top leagues or less celebrated competitions like those in Ethiopia or Saudi Arabia.
As Ghana rebuilds its football identity, embracing inclusivity and meritocracy could be the key to restoring pride and competitiveness in the Black Stars.
