Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has offered some valuable advice to Ghana Premier League clubs, urging them not to rely too heavily on just one player.
Paintsil emphasized the importance of building a strong team structure rather than focusing on individual players. He warned that if a team relies too much on a single player and that player leaves, it could have a negative impact on the overall core of the team.
Paintsil’s advice comes at a crucial time when several Ghanaian players from the local league are attracting interest and signing contracts with clubs abroad. Players such as Emmanuel Keyekeh, Richmond Lamptey, and Steven Mukwala have recently secured moves to clubs in Rwanda and Tanzania.
In an interview on Asempa FM, Paintsil emphasized the business aspect of football, stating that it is important for clubs to have a big squad in order to thrive in the transfer market. He mentioned that young players who have the opportunity to play abroad should be allowed to pursue those opportunities.
“Running football is a business, so if the player is young and has the opportunity to go, why not?” Paintsil said. “You need to have a big squad if you really want to do business. The player can be 16 years old and the team in Europe can buy him for a long-term contract.”
Paintsil stressed that club owners and presidents invest their money in the team and should see a return on their investment. Therefore, it is essential for clubs to build a strong team structure with multiple talented players rather than relying on just one or two individuals.
In conclusion, Paintsil’s advice serves as a reminder to Ghanaian clubs to focus on building a strong team structure rather than relying on individual players. By following this approach, clubs can ensure continuity and success even when players move on to opportunities abroad.
