Muntari Issues Apology to Ghanaians

Every decision and action have consequences. Muntari, GFA and the coach's action all have consequences. However, the right thing is what has been done for the future of the Black Stars and the consequences need to be faced whatever it may be. It suffices to say that his apology has been long over due. Was he testing the pulse of the coach, FA and the nation? Anyway better late than never. He should be forgiving but his inclusion needs to be thought through because of his repeated indisciplinary records and the setting of precedence. Muntari might have erred, but he has apologized.. and that's what is needed most!




Inter midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has issued a grovelling apology to the people of Ghana and vowed his commitment to the Black Stars in the wake of his recent axing from the team.

Muntari also expressed his contrition to the coach of Ghana Milovan Rajevac and the management of the Ghana Football Association following recent events.

But the enforcer insists the recent events leading to his exclusion from the Black Stars is as a result of a "break in communication" and is keen on setting the records straight.

"I must first and foremost apologise to the people of Ghana, the coach Mr. Rajevac and the Ghana Football Association," Muntari told Ghanasoccernet in an exclusive interview.

"As the child in this matter my first point to apologise before explaining recent events which have led to this misunderstanding.

"My commitment first is to my country and the people and I want to assure Ghanaians that I am fully committed to the country which has made me who I am.

"I also want to assure Ghanaians, the coach and the GFA that I am not disobedient as a section of the media has painted me.

“I accept that if I had been proactive by telling the media my side of the story this perception would not have pervaded among the public

"On the specific issues that have been raised in various quarters it is fair that I address it between the coach, myself and the Ghana FA.

“I will soon seek audience with my coach to hear his concerns about me and to bring the matter to a full closure.

“My concentration is to return to the national team as soon as possible and return to doing my utmost best for my country.”

Even though Muntari has been accused of unruly behaviour when on national team duty, the Inter Milan says he is completely misunderstood.

“I am a very private and quiet person. I don’t say much but I have realised that when rumours go unanswered people tend to believe,” he said.

“I give my coaches, my colleagues, the management and the people of Ghana my utmost respect. I am an obedient and God fearing person and would not veer into being a recalcitrant.”

Muntari insists he will continue to play for Ghana and will do everything to return to the fold of the Black Stars despite his recent axing.

“My country has given me a lot in my career and I will never turn up to play for my country half-heartedly,” Muntari said.

“As I have done in the past I will continue to play forGhana with my heart and soul to bring joy to the millions of our fans.”

Rajevac left out Muntari out of his 23-man squad for the tournament in Angola where they play Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso in Group B.

Ghana Squad for Nations Cup

Ghana squad

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan, England), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak, Ghana)

Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland) Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland) Isaac Vorsah (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany) John Mensah (Sunderland, England), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea, Ghana) Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek, Egypt) Michael Essien (Chelsea, England) Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Sampdoria, Italy), Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy) Moussa Narry (Auxerre, France) Andre Ayew (Arles-Avagnon, France)

Attackers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Fredrikstad FK, Norway) Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Absentees will lose CAF Awards

Absentees will lose CAF Awards? This is ridiculous if not pure, unadulterated, sour stupidity. This is an insult to the likes of Frederic Kanoute who won the award on basis that the actual winner did not pitch. Players who accept the accolade under such circumstances will never be fully acknowledged by soccer loving people since that dark cloud will always be hanging above their heads. As for what happened last year, my candid opinion is that CAF deliberately held the awards ceremony while the AFCON was taking place at a different country and expected players to leave their team camps to attend the awards. This is pure madness and is one of those ridiculous issues that make one to be ashamed of being an African.. That absentees who genuinely deserve their award will be stripped of their award is absolutely daft.

Absentee nominees from the CAF Awards Gala in February will automatically lose their awards, even if they win, CAF has said.
Director of Communications Suleiman Habuba reiterated the condition at the unveiling of the final shortlist of five for the 2009 awards ceremony.

In 2008, Frederick Kanoute was handed the African Player of the Year Award after Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who was believed to have received the most votes, opted against turning up.

"Anybody who does not show up, will not be given any award," Suleiman said at the unveiling ceremony on Thursday in Lagos.

This 2009 edition of the Awards Gala will hold in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, organisers announced on Thursday in Lagos.

Since being taken over by Nigerian telecommunications firm Globacom, the award has been held in Lagos, Accra and Lome.

Courtesy: kickoff.com

Mario Balotelli for Black Stars?

There is no doubt Ballotelli is a great player given his mercurial artifice, but he'll only be a great addition to the Black stars on the condition that he deals with his class indiscipline, and augment his egregious character with a touch of that saintly humility. If he is to play for Ghana then we must be ready to shoulder with him the uncouth braggadocios and criticisms that will ensue. We must remember he is young and a bit naive, and also stitched on the stench of the amalgam of arrogance and inglorious pride. We do not need more Muntari-like attitudes, but want passion, patriotism and ability. I like him as a footballer, but Ghana needs more than a footballer. We need the exemplary kind to kindle buoyancy and unity within the team and to uplift the spirit of Ghanaians and the hopes of Africans..


Ghana captain Stephen Appiah says he backs moves by head coach Milovan Rajevac to lure Italian-born Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli for their World Cup campaign, urging the youngster to answer the call.

The Bologna midfielder comments have confirmed an Italian newspaper report claiming the Serbian trainer had line-up talks with the burgeoning talent.



"I am very much in favour of it," the 29-year-old La Gazzetta dello Sport.



"Although I do have to say that I don’t know anything about this. And I am not aware that our manager Rajevac is set to travel to Bologna to speak about it with me nor that I am supposed to take him to Milan to persuade Mario.



"I have come to know about it in the press and I have no basis to confirm the news."



"Ghana are already strong, but they would be even more with Mario," continued Appiah.



"We want to do well in South Africa and why should we throw away the chance to have a player like Balotelli with us?



"We would be happy if Balotelli came in to give us a hand. He has already proved his worth around Europe and has developed an important experience despite his young age."