The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has appealed to Ghanaians to express more positive sentiments about the Black Stars as they prepare to kickstart their World Cup campaign.
Head coach, Otto Addo named his final squad for the tournament in Qatar on Monday, ramping up the already heightening tension that had persisted over the last few weeks, as the public speculated on the players they believed would make the list.
Speaking prior to the announcement, Mr Okraku said he was pleased with the debates and discussions that had taken place, insisting it was a sign that Ghanaians’ “love for our Black Stars” had returned.
He stated that the heated deliberations over the names that could make the Qatar trip, on radio, TV and on social media, made him “proud as a Ghanaian.”
“Before the announcement [of the squad] there had been loads of discussions around the squad. The positive that I pick from this is that Ghanaians love our football, Ghanaians love our Black Stars; the love for our Black Stars is here,” he said.
“Thank you so much for all the airtime, all the discussions that all of us have had regarding who must represent our country and who must not. Indeed, when I listen to the discussions, all the comments and sentiments that I hear, make me proud as a Ghanaian.”
He, however, added that it is imperative for Ghanaians to be more positive about Otto Addo’s team and their chances in Qatar.
“All the negativity around the team must stop,” he said.
“Let’s be positive, let’s rally around the flag and let’s make our dear nation great and strong. On the part of the FA, we are very positive.”
The Black Stars take on Portugal in their opening group game on November 24 before facing South Korea and Uruguay.
