Sulley Muntari, according to former Ghana defender John Paintsil, is still a young man with enough experience to play for the Black Stars.
Following his comeback to the local top flight, John Paintsil, 37, has made an impression with the Phobian club.
Muntari’s performance with Hearts of Oak has fueled speculation that he may feature for the Black Stars in the 2022 World Cup playoff games against Nigeria, which will take place later this month.
In an interview, he lauded his former international teammate’s constancy on the local stage despite his age, insisting that it would be a shame if the technical staff ignored him.
In addition, when the official list of Black Stars teams is revealed, he has lobbied for the inclusion of at least five local players.
The former Berekum Arsenal and West Ham defender said. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea to include Sulley in the national team because he is still young and the local league is also very competitive so if he is playing every week and based on what the supporters have seen if they think that he can help the national team, they have every right to call for him to help the team.”
“I think his experience and his dedication will also help the team but if the coach also wants to add him I think it will be fair since he is actively playing and he deserves it,” the ex-Fulham star added.
He noted that games between Nigeria and Ghana were frequently seen as local derbies, with the coach’s influence on the outcome being little compared to the players’ drive.
“When it comes to Nigeria and Ghana it’s a local derby and sometimes it’s the players who have to do more than the coach. Sometimes playing against Nigeria, the coach’s system won’t matter but the determination, hard work and putting their body on the line for the country matters.
“So, if we want to look at the tactics going to be used by the coach, I’ll say that when it comes to Ghana and Nigeria, the tactics of the coach doesn’t matter because the players have to play for pride so this one we don’t expect much from the coaches,” he stated.
On March 25, Ghana will face Nigeria at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with the return match scheduled for March 29 in Abuja.
