The Black Stars, Ghana’s senior national football team, have faced some tough times in recent years. Despite making it to the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups, the team has struggled to achieve significant results. In the last two editions of the AFCON in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, the Black Stars were unable to advance past the group stage.
These disappointments have led to concerns among fans who feel that some players lack the dedication required to represent their nation. However, Andre Ayew, a key player in the team, believes that there is still a strong sense of commitment within the squad.
Ayew attributes the perceived lack of passion among some players to the different career paths they have taken. He notes that the current generation of players did not have the same exposure to Ghana’s cultural values as those who played in the early 2000s. Many of today’s young players left Ghana at a young age to pursue opportunities abroad, making it challenging for them to readapt to the country’s culture and values.
Speaking at a Sports Psychology class at Legon, Ayew emphasized the importance of helping young players understand the significance of representing Ghana and Ghanaian football. He stressed the need for psychological support to help these players focus on the national team’s goals and aspirations.
The Black Stars recently secured back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. As the team continues to strive for success, Ayew’s insights shed light on the challenges facing the players and the importance of fostering a sense of patriotism and commitment among the squad.
