THE ‘BLACK STARS’ FEVER IS GONE

Ghanaians love for the Senior National Team is gradually fading. The times when people worn replica jerseys of the Black Stars a day before Ghana plays in an African Cup competition is gradually vanishing. Time indeed changes.

The Stars are on a mission against Benin at the Ismaili Stadium tonight. The Black Stars is among the favorites tipped by many to win the competition but the local support for the Stars is not like the former. This is due to the issue of less transparency from the Normalization Committee concerning the country’s budget for the AFCON tournament. The citizens have not been updated on how much the government is investing in the team and from past experiences in the previous Cup of Nations and World Cup participation, budgets made were beyond the rewards received when one win the tournament.

With Ghana facing unemployment challenges, poor road infrastructure, deprived drinking waters and low standard of living, one can easily understand that indeed, citizens are not ready to play the role of the antagonist. They must focus on their jobs and pray for a divine breakthrough.

“The government is not ready to help us. He has thrown much money into football and we are suffering. The players themselves receiving the money have something to eat from their various clubs therefore spending big on them does not solve the situation. The government must attend to our needs,” said by 56 year Adade, a watch repairer.

On Tuesday morning at the Simms Senior High School front gate, people waiting for cars to their various workplace seem to have no love for Ghana Football judging from their faces. Anas exposé concerning former Ghana Football Association president; Kwasi Nyantakyi has played an undesirable effect on citizens as one woman commented, “Anas exposed them. Corruption at its best was reigning at the FA so there is no love for football again. Taxpayers monies that should have been used for infrastructures to benefit us is been squandered by so-called football authorities. Gentleman, I have work to do.” she paused and joined a loading car.

Reasons as to why the Ministry for Youth and Sports have so far not published the budget for the AFCON 2019 is not known but if the Black Stars indeed return home empty handed, Ghana Football will be a mess and the love for it will die completely.