They are at it again. The armchair doom-mongers who glance at a decision, without seeing its coherent reasoning, and make a snap judgement about a person's choice. The locals are again hauling over coals on another character. Kevin-Prince Boateng is the latest to bear the harsh and often punitive brunt of the Ghanaian populace.
Having being injured playing for Milan, he sent an email to the Ghana Football Association to seek a no-appearance for Ghana’s date with Sudan at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Then the doubters rose from toe to top their flags waving that the young chap was taking us for a cheap ride. Some have been quick in jumping to the gun: 'when he wanted to show up at the World Cup after Germany rejected him, he quickly accepted an invitation to play for us. Now that his market value has skyrocketed for excellent showing at the mundial, he’s now trying to play “hanky-panky” games with us."
These fans are a fervent lot and seem more comfortable when consumed with a player’s pledge to the country, rather than euphoria sometimes. All they want is for a player to lace his boots with pride and play with sheer passion even through the pain barrier. Put your egos and medical concerns aside and play to their glare. You’ll hit an instant hero status if such is done. One wrong turn with your commitment though and you keep your eyes peeled for some fireworks. Or get ready to be shoved into the soccer-version of the Chile mines.
From casual football watchers to the most passionate of soccer devotees, Ghanaians have descended on Kevin’s actions and questioned his commitment to the national cause. They did same with Michael Essien when he decided to be relieved off his duties for the Black Stars albeit temporarily due to injuries yet met the ridicule and scorn of the soccer-loving fan. They simply take not even precious berries compared to your commitment level. For now, you might want to suggest that Kevin understands the drive that comes with playing for Ghana. The locals take nothing to showing pride in the national colours and being committed.
So here’s to those who questioned his commitment. And slapped him with the avaricious tag. 'There was no misunderstanding (with the Ghana FA). After the league game I felt a bit of pain on my hamstring” Boateng said. “So I decided not to go (for the game against Sudan) because I was not 100 percent fit. “For me there was no misunderstanding. There was an email to the Ghana Football Association that I can’t travel and I can’t play. “So for me it was clear and I stayed in Milan and I trained.”
Emphatic enough answer for me. We don’t need another one of our star players stressing their muscles in light of longevity for Ghana, especially when they are not fully fit. It was reverent enough of him to inform the GFA of his problem avoiding the shameful egregious snobbish stunt. I am sure if fully fit he’d have played against Sudan in Kumasi. For now, let’s spare him all the blatant, inane and inconsiderate insults. Really, we don’t want another Essien vacation; we can’t just meet the expense of it.
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