In the midst of Sudan’s deepening crisis, Kwesi Appiah, former coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, has taken on the immense challenge of guiding Sudan’s national football team. With the country torn apart by conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia, Appiah is determined to use football as a source of hope and unity.
In an interview with the BBC, he outlined why the Sudan national team is performing the way they are regardless of the troubles they have back at home.
Appiah’s approach goes beyond tactics and strategy. He focuses on building the players confidence, urging them to see themselves as world-class athletes.
“I tell them to play as if they’re Messi or Ronaldo, so they step onto the pitch without limits,” he explained. His goal is to instill belief and pride in his players, encouraging them to view every match as an opportunity to honor their families, their country, and themselves.
The stakes are high. The conflict in Sudan which has displaced over 11 million people, creating what aid workers call the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, coach Appiah believes the team’s performance could serve as a rallying turning point for the nation. “This team has a chance to do something meaningful; to give people hope, to show unity, and to even help change or stop the war by qualifying for AFCON or the World Cup,” he said.
But the challenges his players face are deeply personal. Several of them have suffered devastating losses, with four losing close family members while in camp. “It’s heartbreaking, but they try to carry on,” Appiah shared. “The rest of the team rallies around them, offering comfort and encouragement. It hasn’t been easy.”
Despite the overwhelming hardships that his players face, Appiah sees the determination in his players and the potential for football to bring light to a dark time.
As Sudan continues to navigate its dark montage, the national team under Appiah’s leadership represents a glimmer of hope.
Something the people can look up to in their distress.
