2014 World Cup: Ghana coach Appiah hints at inclusion of local players in Black Stars squad

Published on: 03 May 2014
2014 World Cup: Ghana coach Appiah hints at inclusion of local players in Black Stars squad
Coach Kwesi Appiah says he is monitoring some home-based players for the World Cup

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has hinted that he might consider home-based players in his preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup this month insisting that the country's Premier League is producing some exciting players.

The Black Stars trainer has revealed that he is closely monitoring the local league as there are some talented players from the top-flight who he is considering for hie squad to the tournament in Brazil.

There is a big clamour from various people in the country including football fans and administrators for the inclusion of some home-based players in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup in June.

Appiah is a big supporter of local players and gave several of them the chance to excel at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa when he was given the chance to lead the Black Stars to the continental tournament.

Goalkeepers Fatau Dauda and Daniel Agyei were all home-based players under Appiah but after taking them to South Africa, they all secured contracts with PSL sides which instantly made them professionals.

Appiah says he is closely monitoring the league for exciting talents he could include in the squad for the World Cup.

"I always believe that we've got very good players locally, when we were going to the African Cup of Nations. I took about ten players and immediately after the tournament whole of them went out to become professionals," Appiah told All Sports.

While keen on getting local players in the Black Stars squad, Appiah reveals that players plying their trade in the local league find it difficult to cope with the intense competition when they are given their first invites.

" At the moment, there are still some local players that I'm looking at but it's difficult sometimes when the player has not been invited before," said Appiah who will be leading Ghana to its third World Cup appearance.

"Most of the time when you are invited and you mix up with the seniors your confident level rises."

"Playing at the bigger stage they are able to compete. When they come initially there's kind of jittery a bit and I always say that it's always good to give them chance and hopefully I believe many of them can be of help in the future."

Bechem United Augustine Okrah, Kotoko defender Kwabena Edusei, goalkeeper Stephen Adams and Nuru Sulley of Hearts of Oak are among players mooted by local pundits for selection in the Black Stars World Cup squad.

Which local players do you think should be selected for the 2014 World Cup? Make your views known in the box below:

 

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