Ghana coach Appiah hails Asamoah Gyan's leadership of Black Stars

Published on: 29 December 2013
Ghana coach Appiah hails Asamoah Gyan's leadership of Black Stars
Asamoah Gyan and coach Kwesi Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says his decision to choose Asamoah Gyan as the Black Stars has proven to be a masterstroke after initial doubts in certain quarters over the striker's leadership qualities.

Black Stars coach choose the UAE-based striker ahead of other players like Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari before the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision sparked a controversy in certain quarters with many questioning whether Gyan would be able to lead the squad as there are many players with good leadership qualities.

However, Gyan who is seen in many quarters a a jovial person, has used his position to rally the players - both senior and young players to fight the course of Ghana.

He has excellently led the squad leading the Black Stars to their third successive appearance at the World Cup without any problems.

Gyan was also instrumental in convincing players like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew, Michael Essien to return to the fold after some absence for various reasons.

Kwesi Appiah says despite the perception of Gyan being a jovial person, his attitude towards the game convinced him that he is up to task of leading the squad.

“Gyan is someone I think I can rely on, and I needed to give him more responsibilities," the Black Stars coach, who was once the captain of side said.

"When we were going for the Nations cup we had some players unavailable and Gyan was the most senior and most respected guy at the time.

"That is why I gave him the captaincy.

“He played his role so well at the AFCON, and my confidence in him rose after the competition. That is why he remains captain to this day.”

Gyan took over the Black Stars captaincy before the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations following injuries to Sulley Muntari and the absence of Michael Essien.

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