The surprise top notch performance by the youthful Black Stars in the just ended Africa Cup of nations that saw them narrowly missing the trophy, has generated an interestingly heated national debate whether or not Ghana should stick to the same side for the upcoming World Cup side or bring back the experienced stars.

I consider this debate uncalled for because in the first place there is a whole world of difference between the Africa Cup and the Mundial.

Secondly, apart from Sulley Muntari who was axed for indiscipline, Coach Milovan cannot claim it was a deliberate policy to field those youngsters. The truth of the matter is most of the known stars that qualified Ghana for Angola 2010 and the South Africa World Cup were on the sick list. You name them: John Mensah, Laryea Kingston, John Paintsil, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Eric Addo and Co were all hit by injuries.

Milovan therefore had no choice but to fall on the cream of the Black Satellites (Under 20) that had had some experience at the Junior World Cup. Luckily, they rose to the occasion but one may ask whether it is necessary to stretch our luck that far to the world cup. I don’t think so.

I submit that we can still use a few of the youngsters in South Africa but if the oldies show true form after their recovery from injuries they should be given preference

This debate must stop. The youngsters would agree that they have a long and bright future ahead of them and I believe they would be so matured by the next Africa Cup that their participation in the subsequent 2014 World Cup in Brazil would come automatically.

Let’s not rush to discard those who toiled to make Ghana’s qualification for Angola and South Africa 2010 so deceptively easy. Sulley Muntari, the rebel, is reported to have apologized for his insulting behaviour towards coach Milovan when he blatantly failed to honour an appointment in Italy. The apology must be accepted for its worth and the veteran striker must be given the opportunity to show remorse.

It should be borne in mind that a lot of water is going to pass over the bridge between now and the World Cup in June and it is unwise to sow any discords in the Black Stars team. It is my considered opinion that a beautiful blend of the old and new stars, Manchester United style, would do the trick in South Africa.

Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.

FROM MY ARCHIVES

Feb 4th 1999: Glenn Hoddle’s two and half year reign as England soccer coach ended when he was sacked following comments he made about disabled people. He was the first England manager to be sacked since Alf Ramsey in 1974.