Ghana’s goalkeepers coach, Richard Kingson says experience will be key for the Black Stars at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as talks over the return of suspended duo Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng divide opinion.
Head Coach Kwasi Appiah is set to announce a provisional squad this week for the Dubai-bound preparations ahead of the continental tourney.
With fans awaiting the list, the two over-thirty-year-olds have hogged the headlines following a revelation by Normalization Committee chief, Dr. Kofi Amoah that the players are keen to end their five-year international exile at the Nations Cup.
“I got a phone call from Sulley Muntari and the passion with which he was talking: ‘Doc. you know my passion for Ghana. I want to come and play for Ghana even if the coach would play me only 15 minutes, I think I can do something.’
“And I got goosebumps. Here’s a guy who has always given his all to the Black Stars…
“He has a club now but has not been getting a lot of playing time. So now the coach has a problem as he knows the player can deliver but he must be fit. So it is the decision to let the coach make. I told him, yeah. And I told him that I think Kevin is a good guy. That’s my thought but it is the coach’s decision. That is not putting pressure on the coach. It is giving an extra dimension in the decision making that people who are watching the game also see some things.
“[I wouldn’t be disappointed] at all [if the coach decides to close his door on them]. Even Sulley himself would understand.” Dr. Amoah told Metro TV in a recent interview.
Boateng, on the other hand, has expressed his desire to return to former Sassuolo teammate Alfred Duncan.
READ MORE: KP Boateng ‘keen’ to make Black Stars return – Duncan
Now Kingson, speaking to Oyerepa FM in Kumasi, asserts that experience is key for Ghana’s campaign for a fifth African title in June but adds that the final decision lies with the head coach.
“I have been speaking to Kevin and Sulley and yes we need experience. It is very important for our participation and we should take note that experience is not about age.
“So a blend of experience ones and young ones will be the trump card for us. But recalling them into the national team depends on Coach Kwasi Appiah,” Kingson concluded.
Ghana have become usual semi-final specialists for the last six editions of the Afcon but scooping the title has been the arduous challenge for the four-time champions for the past 37 years.
