Ghanaian maverick coach Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng says former captain Stephen Appiah must rescind his decision of retiring from the Black Stars.
The Italy-based inspirational midfielder retired for national team duties after the World Cup in South Africa.
Under Appiah’s leadership Ghana qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2006 in Germany where they were the only side to reach the second round.
He also led the Black Stars to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but played a bit-part role at the tournament held in Africa for the first time.
Appiah quit the Black Stars to concentrate on his club career with Cesena in the Italian Serie A where he has performed well so far this season.
Opeele watched Appiah play during a recent charity game in Takoradi for Samuel Inkoom over the weekend and the ex-Kotoko boss says the inspirational midfielder must be forced to return.
“I watched Stephen Appiah during the Inkoom charity game and what I saw has convinced me he that he should return to the Black Stars,†Opeele said.
“I am humbly asking Stephen Appiah to return for the Black Stars for the sake of the country and his fans.
“We truly need his services and he is still sharp as ever so we need his services. He will be of big help to the Black Stars.
“In Ghana we prematurely retire out players and we should not allow this to happen to Stephen Appiah. He will help us a lot.â€
Appiah made his debut for the Black Stars in 1996 and he is regarded by many as the most influential captain in the history of Ghana football.
Source: MTNFootball.com
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