Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has called on Ghana to take inspiration from Morocco’s remarkable football transformation, saying the country’s success is the result of years of strategic planning, sustained investment and an unwavering commitment to youth development.
According to Mr. Nyantakyi, Ghana can regain its place among Africa’s football giants if it shifts its focus from short-term achievements to building a sustainable football development structure that prioritises grassroots football, infrastructure, coach education and talent development.
His comments come in the wake of the Black Stars’ disappointing exit from the ongoing FIFA World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Colombia on July 4, 2026. The loss ended Ghana’s campaign and reignited public debate over the state of football administration and player development in the country.
While Ghana bowed out of the competition, Morocco continues to carry Africa’s hopes after progressing to the quarter-finals, becoming the only African nation left in the tournament. Egypt was also eliminated after losing to Argentina in the Round of 16, while the continent’s other representatives exited at earlier stages.
Sharing his views in a Facebook post on July 7, 2026, Mr. Nyantakyi reflected on Morocco’s impressive rise over the past six years, describing it as a model that should serve as a lesson for Ghana and many other African countries seeking sustained football success.
He said the achievements of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation have not come by chance but are the outcome of deliberate planning, sound leadership and consistent financial investment across all levels of football.
“There are two fundamental pillars that determine the long-term success of every national football team: sound development planning and sustainable funding,” Mr. Nyantakyi stated.
He explained that Morocco has successfully built a football ecosystem that combines grassroots talent identification with massive investment in sports infrastructure, technical education and capacity building for coaches, referees and football administrators.
“Apart from FIFA and CAF funding, the Government of Morocco has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, talent development and education and development of coaches, referees and other personnel,” he noted.
Mr. Nyantakyi further pointed to the Moroccan government’s commitment to strengthening domestic football, particularly the women’s game, as evidence of a national policy designed to achieve lasting success.
“For example, all women playing in the Moroccan women’s local league receive €600 per month from the government. Now they are African champions. Moroccan clubs are among the best in Africa and their men’s teams are among the best in the world,” he said.
He stressed that Morocco’s achievements on both the continental and global stages are the direct result of years of careful planning rather than short-term investments or reliance on tournament prize money.
Drawing lessons for Ghana, the former GFA President said football development should not revolve around qualifying for major competitions alone but should instead focus on building strong foundations capable of producing world-class players consistently.
“The lesson for Ghana—and indeed many African football nations—is clear. Sustainable success cannot be achieved through short-term measures or by relying solely on the financial rewards that accompany qualification for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup,” he said.
He added that while qualification bonuses provide financial relief, they cannot replace long-term investment in football development.
“World Cup bonuses alone do not build successful national teams,” Mr. Nyantakyi emphasised.
He therefore called for a renewed national commitment to developing football from the grassroots through to the senior national teams, insisting that a structured pathway remains essential for producing elite players capable of competing at the highest level.
“Lasting success requires deliberate planning, consistent investment, and a clearly defined pathway that develops players from grassroots football through to the senior national team,” he stated.
Mr. Nyantakyi also reminded stakeholders that Ghana had previously implemented effective football development programmes that produced generations of outstanding footballers who excelled for both club and country.
He urged football administrators, government, clubs and all stakeholders not to abandon those proven principles but rather strengthen and modernise them to meet the demands of modern football.
“If Morocco’s recent achievements have taught Africa anything, it is that success is neither accidental nor instantaneous. It is the product of vision, patience, sustained investment, and an unwavering commitment to youth development,” he said.
He concluded by urging Ghana to return to the development philosophy that once made the country one of Africa’s most respected football nations.
“Ghana has travelled this path before. The challenge before us is not to reinvent the wheel, but to recommit ourselves to the principles that once positioned our football on a firm developmental foundation.”
Mr. Nyantakyi’s remarks have since sparked widespread discussion among football fans and industry stakeholders, many of whom believe Ghana must prioritise long-term football development if it is to compete consistently with the world’s elite.
With the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign now over, attention is expected to shift towards rebuilding the national team and strengthening domestic football structures. For many observers, Morocco’s rise serves as a compelling example that sustained investment, strategic planning and a clear vision can transform a nation’s football fortunes and deliver lasting success.
