Veteran Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has expressed concerns about the consistent exclusion of Ghana Premier League players from the Black Stars squad. His comments come after the release of Ghana's 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Only Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare earned a call-up among locally based players, with no home-based outfield players making the cut. Sarpong argues that this pattern sends a troubling signal about the domestic league's credibility.
Sarpong's concerns stem from the fact that many Ghana Premier League players are overlooked for national team selection, only to be recognized shortly after securing contracts abroad. He questions the logic behind this approach, stating that it creates uncertainty around the league's credibility. Sarpong also notes that the same players who are deemed unready while competing locally are suddenly considered worthy of national team recognition after a move abroad.
The experienced coach believes that rewarding deserving home-based players with national team opportunities would serve as meaningful motivation for those continuing to compete in Ghana. This approach would also provide a more honest measure of the Ghana Premier League's standard. Without recognition, players and fans may draw their own conclusions about how the league is perceived by those in charge of the national setup.
Sarpong's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the inclusion of local players in the Black Stars squad. Ghana is scheduled to face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia as part of their opening fixtures in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. The team's preparations have been hampered by several withdrawals, including captain Jordan Ayew, who joins Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo on the list of players to pull out.
The Ghana Football Association has yet to respond to Sarpong's comments, but the coach's concerns are likely to resonate with many Ghanaians who are passionate about the sport. The country's football fans have long argued that the domestic league is undervalued and that local players deserve more opportunities to showcase their skills.
Sarpong's experience and expertise in Ghanaian football lend weight to his arguments. As a veteran coach, he has a deep understanding of the sport and its challenges in Ghana. His comments are likely to spark a wider conversation about the future of Ghanaian football and the role of local players in the national team.
The exclusion of Ghana Premier League players from the Black Stars squad has significant implications for the development of football in Ghana. If local players are not given opportunities to compete at the highest level, it may be difficult for the country to produce a new generation of talented players. The issue is likely to remain a topic of debate in the coming weeks and months.
Key points
- Veteran coach JE Sarpong questions the consistent exclusion of Ghana Premier League players from the Black Stars squad.
- Only one locally based player, Benjamin Asare, earned a call-up for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- Sarpong argues that overlooking local talent sends a damaging message about the quality of domestic football in Ghana.
