Former Ghana international Samuel Osei Kuffour has voiced his concerns over the inconsistencies surrounding the Black Stars captaincy, urging for a more stable and transparent approach in decision-making.
The issue of leadership within the national team has been a longstanding topic, with recent developments adding to the controversy. Jordan Ayew was recently named captain despite Thomas Partey being initially linked with the role. This follows a pattern of ambiguity in recent years, where other key players like Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku were also rumored to be in contention for the armband. Meanwhile, substantive captain Andre Ayew has not officially announced his retirement, further complicating the situation.
Kuffour, who was part of the Normalization Committee (NC) that oversaw Ghanaian football reforms in 2019, recalled a similar instance involving Asamoah Gyan. Ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Gyan was controversially stripped of the captaincy, with Andre Ayew assuming leadership. The decision, according to Kuffour, was unnecessary and disruptive to team unity.
“We make the Black Stars captaincy too complicated. It wasn’t the right decision to take the armband from Asamoah Gyan. As part of the NC committee, I advised that Gyan should remain captain since he had only a few months left. There was no need to create tension within the squad or make Gyan feel isolated. A coach should have the sole responsibility of appointing the captain, not the Ghana Football Association (GFA),” Kuffour stated in an interview with Sporty FM.
Kuffour emphasized that consistency in leadership is crucial for the national team’s progress. He believes that frequent changes in captaincy create unnecessary friction among players and could impact team morale. “When you change captains frequently, it disrupts the harmony in the team. Every player wants to feel a sense of belonging, and when decisions are made abruptly, it affects the unity and performance of the squad,” he added.
Despite the ongoing debates, Jordan Ayew has made an impressive start to his captaincy reign. Under his leadership, Ghana secured two vital victories against Chad and Madagascar, with Ayew himself contributing significantly to the team’s success. The Crystal Palace forward registered one goal and four assists in these fixtures, showcasing his ability to lead by example on the pitch.
The issue of Black Stars captaincy has been contentious for years, dating back to previous generations. The Ghanaian national team has historically seen multiple captaincy transitions that have often led to internal conflicts. Notable examples include the shift from Stephen Appiah to John Mensah and later to Asamoah Gyan. Each transition came with its share of controversies, raising questions about the criteria used in selecting captains.
Football analysts argue that clear guidelines should be established regarding captaincy appointments to prevent recurring disputes. Many believe that seniority, leadership qualities, and consistency in performance should be the primary factors in choosing a team leader. However, the lack of transparency in the selection process has often fueled speculations of favoritism and external influences.
Kuffour’s call for reform echoes sentiments shared by many Ghanaian football enthusiasts who believe that the GFA needs to adopt a more structured approach. According to him, stability in leadership is essential for long-term success. “The role of a captain is beyond just wearing the armband; it is about being a unifying force and leading the team through difficult moments. If we keep changing captains frequently, we will never have the stability needed to build a strong team,” he remarked.
Former Black Stars players and coaches have also weighed in on the matter, with some calling for a return to the traditional system where captains are chosen based on experience and merit rather than external influences. The absence of clear communication from the GFA regarding the rationale behind captaincy appointments has only fueled further speculations and controversies.
Another key concern raised by football experts is the impact of these captaincy decisions on player dynamics within the squad. In some instances, sudden captaincy changes have reportedly caused rifts among players, affecting team cohesion. For example, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the decision to appoint Asamoah Gyan as the official captain while maintaining Michael Essien as a senior figure led to reports of discontent within the camp. Similar concerns have surfaced with the current crop of players, as different factions reportedly support different candidates for the role.
Supporters of Jordan Ayew’s appointment argue that he has the necessary experience, having played for the Black Stars for over a decade. They believe his leadership on the pitch, combined with his ability to inspire younger players, makes him a suitable choice. On the other hand, some critics argue that Thomas Partey, as one of the most senior and accomplished players in the squad, would have been a better candidate.
The Ghanaian football fraternity remains divided on the issue, with many calling for a more defined approach in selecting a captain. Some suggest that the GFA should adopt a voting system where players have a say in who leads them, while others insist that the head coach should have the final authority.
Looking ahead, football stakeholders are urging the GFA to implement policies that ensure a fair and structured approach to leadership appointments within the Black Stars. Many believe that resolving this issue will contribute to a more united and focused national team, capable of competing at the highest level.
As Ghana prepares for upcoming international fixtures, all eyes will be on Jordan Ayew to see how he navigates his new role. While his early performances as captain have been commendable, the lingering debate surrounding the Black Stars’ leadership structure remains a crucial topic that needs urgent resolution.
For now, Kuffour’s message is clear—consistency, transparency, and stability are key to ensuring that the Black Stars remain a formidable force in African football.
