Former Minister for Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has underscored that Ghana’s present Black Stars squad was not as technically refined as past teams, but makes up for it with greater drive and resolve.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, July 4, which was monitored by Ghanaian RADAR, Mr Vanderpuye argued that while the current group may not equal previous generations in terms of technique and tactical nous, they make up for it with toughness and high work rate.
He noted that in his opinion, earlier Black Stars sides, especially those of 2006 and 2010, had better technical quality and individual flair, but did not show the same level of commitment seen in the current team.
In contrast, he called the present squad “rugged, robust and determined,” adding that they depend more on passion than polish.According to him, succeeding in today’s game demands more than just skill, particularly against teams that are tactically organised.
He added that Ghana must blend smart play with physical power to hold their own against sides like Croatia and Colombia.‘This team was not technical, they were rugged, they were robust, they were determined, they had a heart. And when you meet a team that is more technical like Croatia, like Colombia, you need something more. Because it will be brains against brawn.’
Mr Vanderpuye’s remarks follow Ghana’s exit from the World Cup, a result that has sparked fresh debate over the Black Stars’ technical approach and the overall setup of the team’s coaching and management structure.
