Hapoel Tel Aviv ace Pantsil ‘delighted’ with Ghana recall

Posted On Tuesday, 2nd October 2012

John Pantsil is line to earn his 86 caps for Ghana

By Patrick Akoto

Defender John Pantsil has expressed his delight at being recalled to the Ghana squad for the crucial return leg of the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi.

The 30-year-old has not been involved with the Black Stars since last February.

He was frozen out of the team by head coach Kwesi Appiah due to his lack of first team opportunities at English Championship side Leicester City.

However, after churning out impressive displays for Israeli giants Hapoel Tel Aviv, the experienced right back has been handed the opportunity to prove his worth in the Ghana squad again by the Black Stars trainer.

“I am happy to be back in the team. I want to play and that’s why I came here (Israel),” Pantsil said

“If it was about money, I would have stayed at Leicester because I had two more years but decided to cancel my contract.

“I want to play regularly and that’s what I getting from my new team. I am happy to be involved with the Black Stars again.”

The return of the former Fulham and West Ham man to the national team has not surprised those who were pushing for his recall into the team following his remarkable performances for the Uefa Europa League campaigners.

The Black Stars take a healthy 2-0 goal lead from the first leg to Lilongwe to battle The Flames for a slot at the 2013 African Cup of Nations finals to be held in South Africa.

Pantsil is the most consistent experienced player in the team with an incredible 85 senior appearances to his name.

Related Images

READERS COMMENTS

D Light says:

October 2, 2012 at 11:22 am

”its not abt money, it abt me playing regularly to get my form ”. Dat is the passion d game demands… Money & Glory is d bonus 4 staying BEST! It is not chased, it is earned via ur hard work. Jumping ship to get not just regurlar futbal but to play in d Europa league hav made my respect bigger 4 u. Dat is wat d game is all abt- Making & Setting Records straight at d highest tempo. I’m happy u, Muntari n Essien hav d competitive spirit- even wen all seems lost, u dont surrender to d cheap-mediocre leagues for money! U still aim higher:
Muntari- Inter to AC MILAN , Painstil- Lester to Hapoel n Essien’s – Chelsea to MADRID moves r BLOCKBUSTERIN. I’m sure John Mensah wldn’t give up too, though his wld b understandable… LETS xhalt Competion to Eradicate d Chinese Mentality of our Futballers.

Reply to this Comment
- Randolph says:
  
  October 2, 2012 at 5:56 pm
  
  That’s a wonderful piece of advise. They will all come back, their experience are vaaluable and must be passed to younger ones before retirement. It has taken Ghana some years to find a replacement for Tony Yeboah, Abedi, Sammy kuffour, Stephen Appiah because they retired prematurely.
  I hope Akwasi Appiah will know how to use our experienced players.
  
  Reply to this Comment
  - Ohene says:
    
    October 2, 2012 at 6:02 pm
    
    Hey ! That was a priceless advise. Drobga and Eto are still playing for their countries, why? because of their valuable experience, to teach and encourage the up and coming stars.
    Are we going to allow Akwasi Appiah to do the same? That would be good for our football.
    
    Reply to this Comment

Click Here For All Latest football news.

Live Radio

http://ghanasoccernet.com/new/images/banners/onair.gif

Live TV

RELATED NEWS

LATEST HEADLINES

Frimpong 'saddened' to sit out Ghana's World Cup qualifiers through injury

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is gutted with his fresh injury setback which rules him out of next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Ghanaian younsgters excel on training tour in Dubai

Two Ghanaian youngsters; David Abagna and Daniel Abaa hit a brace each for Dubai Football Academy in their 8-0 win over Baniyas Real Madrid.

Ghana midfielder Frimpong out of June's 2014 World Cup qualifiers with fresh injury

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has suffered a fresh injury setback as he has been ruled out for an estimated period of two months with a knee injury, meaning he will not be available for the Black Stars in next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers.