Why Asamoah Gyan Is the Right Choice for Ghana Captain

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 6, 2013

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To even a casual observer of the African game, the title of this article, and the argument set forth herein may be, initially, a little hard to comprehend. How can I begin to advocate the lily-livered, Sunderland-dropout Asamoah Gyan as a potential Black Stars Captain?

Indeed, at first glance, the striker doesn’t seem to have the constitution to be considered the leader for one of Africa’s heavyweights, and despite the general praise and backslapping that emerged from the heart of Pan-Africa upon his appointment to the role, I am still to be convinced by James Kwesi Appiah’s decision.

When I consider the key qualities demonstrated by iconic captains such as Roy Keane, Giacinto Facchetti, Ledley King and Bryan Robson, I think of loyalty, courage, selflessness, desire and determination.

Now, I am not one to regularly disagree with my chums over at The Chronicle of Ghana, but their suggestion that Gyan was chosen due to his ‘work ethic and incredible leadership qualities’ seemed to be stretching reality.

The recent Cup of Nations in South Africa provided a brief (yet fairly damning) litmus test. Against Congo in the side’s opener, the Black Stars were unable to halt the slide as a two goal lead slipped away, whilst they were markedly uninspired against Cape Verde in the quarterfinal. As has been their wont in recent years, they once again paid the penalty—defeat in the shootout against Burkina Faso in the semi, coming after they were thoroughly outplayed for 120 minutes.

It was often hard to identify the captain’s voice amidst the shrugged shoulders and inevitable capitulation of the Black Stars. Gyan was thoroughly absent; neither cajoling nor coaxing, encouraging nor emboldening.



With only one goal in the competition, the subdued skipper was a surprise choice for CAF’s team of the tournament.

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Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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