Hi Stars…
So this could be your last day at the World Cup, eh?
Well, much as I had tried to psych myself into a good mood prior to writing this, I just wish you could see the deep frown into which the lines on my forehead have been creased into.
I’m not happy and, needless to say, the rest of Ghana isn’t, either. A lot has happened in the last few days. A lot that have done much to dampen Ghanaians’ hopes. The Ghana Football Association is, as you are probably already aware, facing a massive crisis situation, but that really needn’t be your business.
So what is it we now hear about you refusing to train unless your appearance fees are paid in full (and in cash), or recent talk about a grudge between some among you and the coach?
Instead of figuring out a way of resolving the Cristiano Ronaldo-sized challenge that looms on Thursday and building on the glory that the gutsy draw versus Germany over the weekend fetched you, there you go bickering over monies that would eventually be yours anyway.
When have you ever been denied your due?
Haven’t Ghanaians indulged you enough?
Pathetic!
Anyway, here are a few concerns from home that those being addressed would do well to take note of.
To whom it may concern…
First, to the entire backline… and, by that, I suppose I am referring to the quartet of John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Kwadwo Asamoah and Afful Harrison. Against the Germans, you contested one of the World Cup’s finest attacking units and, truly, all four of you excelled; forget the two goals that were conceded. The threat this time is the world’s best footballer, club football’s most potent forward, and a man desperate to produce a performance that would salvage something from a rather underwhelming World Cup campaign. We hear he’s now gone for a fresh mohawk, one to match the scary ones you sport (shout-outs to Afful and, to an extent, Boye). Never mind, though, for Ghanaians feel you are quite up to it. Prove it, then. Shut him up.
To Kevin-Prince Boateng… if reports emerging from Maceio are to be believed, you are being very naughty in camp. True?
Incidentally, all the alleged instances of your insubordination have involved the coach. After you publicly criticized his methods against the USA, it’s now speculated that you have had a row with him over some triviality. You mightn’t know it – and I’m not surprised if you don’t as you never really grew up here – but in our society, whatever the problem might be in a feud between an older fellow and a young one, the former is always right.
I can’t tell you why, but it’s always so.
Always, Kev.
Keep that in mind and show some submission, even when you don’t feel inclined to.
To the coach: Ghanaians are quite grateful you listened to them and rang the required changes when up against Joachim Low’s side, Kwesi, and they are delighted to have seen it pay off considerably. You faced a one-time World Cup bronze-winning coach and, on this occasion, you actually proved your worth. Now to what matters most. Your priority now isn’t caging Ronaldo, but to get a grip on the dressing room. Any disruptive elements should be put in their place, but be gentle enough in doing so for -if Ghana is to advance after the Portugal game- anything less would be simply counterproductive.
Mildly yet assuredly, show them you are the boss; that you are the ‘Silent Killer’. That’s what they call you, right?
To All…
Well, now you have your money [presumably], you have no excuse to underperform this evening. Believe it or not, people are already losing love for you. And while many would celebrate a favourable result (namely, a big, big win) today, there are those who would be simply pissed off you’d only receive more money for it, while several more wouldn’t feel anything but apathy.
Just show yourselves to be our Cash Black Stars and maybe you’d be forgiven. You entertained greatly against Germany and were toasted globally for it; now go get the results that actually matter.
That’s all Ghanaians ask.
Do concentrate on the task at hand in the assurance that, back home, your countrymen would be monitoring the happenings in the USA-Germany game, too, and doing the necessary ‘Mathematics’, calculators in hand.
Hopefully, this wouldn’t be our last letter to you, would it?
With indifference…
…from Accra.
