Didi blasts pro-Laryea Black Stars calls
by Gary Al-Smith 20 November 2012, 10:21
Does Laryea Kingston deserve a place in the Black Stars? Of course not, insists Kotoko's coach, Mas-ud Dramani. His reaction comes in the wake of calls from some quarters, notably from Hearts boss David Duncan, for the player to be considered.
In the first half-hour in Sunday's Super Clash, the veteran midfielder was the heartbeat of the Phobians, but his influence waned and Kotoko grew into the tie. But at the end of the match, his coach called on handlers of the national team to give him another look.
Popular local league and former national youth team boss Josef "J.E." Sarpong continued the call, arguing that Ghana has to "accept that Kingston deserves to be in the Black Stars" because "we need experienced players like Laryea to help us realize our dream."
"Misplaced call"
But the coach of the Porcupine Warriors says a call for Kingston would mean Ghanaians are not serious with their football.
"Laryea can’t be judged just with one game. I didn’t see anything extraordinary with his performance on Sunday. I don’t think we are serious with our football in this country."
The Super Clash was Laryea Kingston's first game for the Phobians following his drawn out suspension after clashes with the club's hierarchy. Mas-ud Dramani went on that calls for the player to be invited to the Black Stars should not be based on just one game.
"You ask yourself: what positive football did he play? Football has gone past the level where you play for yourself. How many telling passes did he give?"
"He may have had some moments of brilliance, of course he did. Technically, he is a good player. But you need have the conditioning to be able with the team, moving forward in attack and moving back in defence," Dramani finished.
Laryea's view
In June, Ghana beat Lesotho 7-0 but suffered a 1-0 loss to Zambia soon after. The average age of coach Kwesi Appia's squad was 21 and there had been calls, including from Laryea Kingston himself, that the side needed more backbone.
"In a football team if you mix experience and the youth it makes it stronger. Because you need experience in anything you do so I will be very happy to see many of the senior players in the team."
Kingston is seeking a return to the national team after a two-year absence.
“Because you need experience in anything you do so I will be very happy to see many of the senior players in the team.”
