Ghana talks up team discipline ahead of quarters
Source: Agencies |
June 28, 2010, Monday
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GHANA'S top football official believes a tough disciplinary code which almost resulted in star midfielder Sulley Muntari being sent home has helped to ensure the Black Stars are Africa's last contender at the World Cup.
While Ghana reached the last eight by beating the US, the continent's five other World Cup representatives - including host South Africa - exited at the group stage.
Some blamed too much individualism, some blamed less focus on team discipline.
But Ghana will accept no disorder within its squad - even if the chief culprit so far is a star such as Muntari, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan.
The midfielder reportedly abused Ghana's coach after a group stage draw with Australia and only appeared in the closing minutes of the 2-1 second-round victory over the US at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg on Saturday, which clinched Ghana's quarterfinal meeting with Uruguay.
Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi said adopting such a firm approach with Muntari was a sign of growing professionalism in both the national team and domestic competition setups.
"Having discipline dovetails into the performance of the team," Nyantakyi said. "There is discipline. We have a code of conduct for players: they have to wake up at this time; they have to train at this time. So many rules and regulations.
"Muntari wasn't left out, he was reprimanded and if he misbehaves again he will be thrown out."
Nyantakyi said the one set of rules apply to everyone in the squad.
But goal hero Kevin-Prince Boateng faces a week of therapy in a bid to get fit for the quarterfinal after suffering a hamstring injury.
Boateng scored a fifth-minute goal in Rustenburg but later limped off in the second half.
Coach Milan Rajevac said the Germany-born midfielder would face intensive treatment in a bid to be ready for the match against Uruguay in Johannesburg on Friday.
Boateng was among several Ghana players limping after the exertions of the US triumph, with Asamoah Gyan scoring in extra-time to take his World Cup tally to three.
While Ghana reached the last eight by beating the US, the continent's five other World Cup representatives - including host South Africa - exited at the group stage.
Some blamed too much individualism, some blamed less focus on team discipline.
But Ghana will accept no disorder within its squad - even if the chief culprit so far is a star such as Muntari, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan.
The midfielder reportedly abused Ghana's coach after a group stage draw with Australia and only appeared in the closing minutes of the 2-1 second-round victory over the US at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg on Saturday, which clinched Ghana's quarterfinal meeting with Uruguay.
Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi said adopting such a firm approach with Muntari was a sign of growing professionalism in both the national team and domestic competition setups.
"Having discipline dovetails into the performance of the team," Nyantakyi said. "There is discipline. We have a code of conduct for players: they have to wake up at this time; they have to train at this time. So many rules and regulations.
"Muntari wasn't left out, he was reprimanded and if he misbehaves again he will be thrown out."
Nyantakyi said the one set of rules apply to everyone in the squad.
But goal hero Kevin-Prince Boateng faces a week of therapy in a bid to get fit for the quarterfinal after suffering a hamstring injury.
Boateng scored a fifth-minute goal in Rustenburg but later limped off in the second half.
Coach Milan Rajevac said the Germany-born midfielder would face intensive treatment in a bid to be ready for the match against Uruguay in Johannesburg on Friday.
Boateng was among several Ghana players limping after the exertions of the US triumph, with Asamoah Gyan scoring in extra-time to take his World Cup tally to three.
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