Stephen Appiah Laments Over State of Ghana Football, Claims Legends Have Been Neglected

• Stephen Appiah believes former players can run Ghana football better
• The ex-Black Stars captain shared his disappointment with the state of the game in Ghana
• The Black Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage of AFCON and the World Cup last year

Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has expressed disappointment over the current state of Ghanaian football.

The ex-Juventus and Fenerbache star believes former players and legends of the country should be involved in the running of the game.

Appiah's recent involvement with the national team was when he played the role of team manger under former coach Kwesi Appiah.

However, the 42-year-old has been away from any of the national team or administrative roles since Kurt Okraku assumed office as GFA president.

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Football

"It's sad because the contacts that we have and the people we can pick phones and call, when I mention names, you will be shocked," he said on Sompa TV.

"At times we don't get the chance, I mean the legends, former players, we don't get the chance.

"I have learnt something, football is run by footballers, it is not about English or the grammar. It is all about the wisdom.

"When I went to Italy, I didn't understand Italian but when the coach communicates I get it."

Appiah hopes one days ex-footballers will be wholly involved in the administration of football.

"I hope that one day if not Stephen Appiah, one of us will be there. We have the contacts. Some of us we are humble and if you know your value you don't worry yourself about somethings," he continued.

The man who led Ghana to her first World Cup in Germany 2006 then painfully opened up on the sacrifices by some ex-players for the Black Stars to be where it is now.

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"There was a time nobody wanted to play the Black Stars. There was a time I used my money to pay plane tickets. I also paid winning bonuses so when you see what is happening today you feel bad."

The Black Stars struggled in the last two international tournaments, exiting at the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

Appiah backs Hughton to succeed

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah has called for support for new Ghana coach, Chris Hughton.

The former Juventus and Fenerbache midfielder believes the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion manager can return Ghana to its glory days.

The Black Stars have not won the Africa Cup of Nations in 41 years and Hughton has been left with the challenge of ending this AFCON drought.