Well-informed sports marketer and consultant Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe says local football clubs should be encouraged to pursue top Ghanaian talents abroad who hold an interest in returning to play in the local league before hanging their boots.
The last two seasons of the Ghana Premier League has seen two Ghanaian football stars come to grace the local scene with their presence. GPL moneybags Legon Cities recruited the services of former Ghana Captain Asamoah Gyan last season. The latest move which also attracted global attention is Hearts of Oak’s signing of former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari.
Following his announcement as a Phobian, several international media outlets have provided coverage about it, leaving many fans and followers of the local game excited.
Neil Armstrong, who is a Former Managing Director of Accra Hearts of Oak, believes the move ranks up there.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Silver FM, he suggested that clubs should be encouraged to go in for such targets who have the potential to enhance the standards of the local game.
He said “we should encourage our clubs to sign more of such players.
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic at age 41 is still playing at the top level, so I think we should encourage our local clubs who have the wherewithal and the ability to do it to impress on our stars who have played abroad and want to draw the curtains on their career to come back home. They may be worried about the often negative comments that are passed about their age, but clubs need to encourage them to do that.
“What Legon Cities did last year, what Hearts of Oak are doing this season is a good thing.
“Our clubs should be encouraged that once a player fits the profile and program of the club, let’s get them to come and help our league by upping the level due to international recognition,” he mentioned.
Sulley Muntari is exiecged to play a crucial role for Hearts of Oak in the second half of the season after signing a short term deal.
In as much as he has much to contribute on the field of play, it is off it rather that the Phobians will be willing to tap much more into.
