Otto Addo, the coach of Ghana
Otto Addo, the coach of Ghana, acknowledges that persuading players with dual citizenship to commit to playing for Ghana has not always been simple. A lifetime choice, according to Coach Addo
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been looking to bolster the Black Stars’ roster in preparation for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Five players who switched allegiance to Ghana earlier this month include Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams and Brighton winger Tariq Lamptey, who previously played for Spain and England, respectively.
BBC World Football
The 42-year-old Addo said on the BBC World Football podcast, “Since March, we’ve been speaking with a lot of players that we think can impact the club.”
And unlike the club stage, when you could possibly sign for one to three years, this is not like that. You can then visit another club if things don’t work out after that. It’s a choice for a lifetime,” he said.
Along with Lamptey and Williams, the Black Stars have also signed three players who were born in Germany: Stephen Ambrosius, Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer, and Patric Pfeiffer. Williams received one appearance for Spain in 2016, while Lamptey, Ambrosius, and Konigsdorffer have all received Under-21 appearances for their own nations.
After Ghana’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage in January, Otto Addo took over as coach.
After defeating bitter rivals Nigeria on the basis of away goals, Addo guided Ghana to its first World Cup qualifying since 2014. Since then, he has extended his contract through December 31, and he will now captain the 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists in Group H at this year’s finals in Qatar in November against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
Time is of the essence for the integration of new players because there are just two international matches scheduled before the event. Having chosen Ghana before earning 15 caps between 1999 and 2006, Addo, who was born in Germany of Ghanaian parents, speaks from experience on having a choice of national teams.
Hamburg and Dortmund midfielder
The former Hamburg and Dortmund midfielder continued, “Maybe I can even comprehend more of such thinking being a German native.
“We want those who chose to represent Ghana to become acquainted with the group and the coaching staff. Everyone who wants to join must do so right now, and they already know what they’re going to do.
Otto Addo, who works both in Ghana and for Borussia Dortmund as a talent development trainer, gave an explanation.
However, some Black Stars supporters have criticised GFA’s decision to reinforce the national squad with players from outside. Wary supporters are concerned that this practise of signing eligible players with Ghanaian ancestry may disrupt the team’s chemistry because the newcomers are perceived as opportunists who only want a chance to compete in the World Cup.
Germany-born Kevin-Prince Boateng
Germany-born Kevin-Prince Boateng, who participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups but rarely showed up for games in remote regions of the continent and never participated in the Africa Cup of Nations, serves as the best model for Ghana. Addo, though, is of the opinion that fresh faces join the four-time African champions knowing what to anticipate.
It’s not always simple, especially if you weren’t born into this milieu,” he remarked. But they are aware of their prospects. It’s a lot of joy and love, first and foremost.
“And without a doubt for them. The African Cup of Nations is the subject. It’s all about succeeding and winning. Along with those Ghanaians living abroad, Kumasi-born Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu has made himself available for selection after earlier declining calls from his country of birth.
