Former black stars midfielder Yussif Chibsah has urged stakeholders to adopt a more patient and structured approach to football development, likening the sport to farming.
Chibsah on the Channel one tv’s world cup show ” World Cup Central indicated that , modern football has evolved beyond reliance on raw talent, insisting that success now depends on following the right processes over time.
“football is like farming. We have time to clear the land where you have to apply fertilisers, you have to plant, water it, have time for it to grow and then you reap
You cannot just skip the process. You can’t just expect to plant it and reap. Modern football is not like that.”
He adds that for Ghana to get to the levels of the international powerhouses Ghana has to build systems
“So it is high time we understand this and then try to invest in it. Football is investment now. It’s a full-time business being run by business models all around Europe.”
Ghana’s journey to the 2006 FIFA World Cup remains a clear example of the importance of planning and structure. Under former head coach Ratomir Dujković, the Black Stars combined discipline with a well-defined tactical approach to secure qualification and reach the Round of 16 on their debut appearance.
Victories over Czech Republic and the United States highlighted the effectiveness of a system built on preparation, team cohesion and clarity in roles, rather than individual brilliance alone.
Chibsah believes similar long-term thinking is required to reposition Ghana football, particularly in the areas of youth development, coaching and administration.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the direction of the national team, with many calling for reforms to restore consistency and competitiveness at the highest level.
