The Director of Sports at Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN) recently shed light on the persistent inclusion of Andre Ayew, the captain of the Black Stars, in the national team despite facing criticism from some Ghanaian football enthusiasts.
This revelation came on Sunday, September 1, when the Head Coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton, unveiled his final 25-player roster for Ghana’s crucial AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic, scheduled for Thursday, September 7, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Among the selected players was Andre Ayew, who had been without a club since parting ways with Nottingham Forest in May following the expiration of his contract.
Ayew’s inclusion sparked a public debate about whether he deserved a place on the team, considering his age and recent performance.
However, prominent sports journalist Saddick Adams has provided insight into the rationale behind Andre Ayew’s continued presence on the national team.
Speaking on the Angel TV Morning Show, Adams explained, “The reason why Andre Ayew consistently features in the squad is not solely based on footballing reasons. His presence inspires the younger players.
Some of them may lack the mental fortitude to withstand the challenges that Andre and Jordan Ayew have faced. If some of these players had gone through the same trials and social media criticism, they might have opted out of international football.”
Adams further elaborated on Ayew’s influence, stating, “Coaches have noted that before games, certain players display a lack of enthusiasm in training and nervousness on the field.
However, with Andre and Jordan Ayew, it’s a different story. Their strong mentality sets them apart, and when a player possesses such mental strength, it alleviates pressure on the coach.”
According to Adams, Ayew’s extensive experience, exceptional leadership qualities, and mental resilience make him an invaluable asset to the team.
He also highlighted Ayew’s unique status as the lone surviving member of the 2010 World Cup squad, where Ghana reached the quarter-finals.
Andre Ayew’s international career for Ghana began in 2008, and he has earned over 110 caps. His impressive journey includes captaining the Under-20 team to victory in both the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Additionally, he has represented Ghana in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2022) and seven African Cup of Nations tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021), contributing to their runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2015
